Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants to bring 22-year-old Everton defensive mainstay Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United.
Manchester United spent a fortune on reinforcing their squad in the summer. The majority of that was used to add more quality to their backline. But they did miss out on one of their top targets, Jarrad Branthwaite. According to a report from TEAMtalk, new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to bring the Everton star to Old Trafford and they will try again in 2025.
A successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven helped Branthwaite break into the Everton first-team during the 2023/24 season. He managed to establish himself as a key figure at the back, and his performances resulted in a significant amount of interest during the summer.
Manchester United did push hard to secure his services, but things did not go according to plan for them. They had two bids turned down by the Toffees, and their second offer was worth £50 million. But, it was not good enough as Everton kept pointing towards their asking price of £75 million.
Manchester United remain keen on signing Branthwaite
While the Red Devils ended up signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt during the summer, they still seek defensive reinforcement. Yoro has been out injured from the start, while de Ligt has been subject to a lot of criticism. With Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans’s deals running out, it is quite understandable why they want to add Branthwaite to their squad.
Ratcliffe has him as a top target, and Manchester United are firmly in the mix to acquire his services in 2025. Everton’s stance remains clear, and the Manchester-based club will have to meet their demands as they have reportedly raised their demands. It will now take an offer of around £80 million for the Toffees to consider sanctioning his departure.
With the Friedkin group all set to complete their takeover, their priority will be to keep him at the club and build around him. But, that is unlikely to stop Ratcliffe from trying to sign Branthwaite. He wants the 22-year-old Everton defender at Old Trafford at all costs and has asked his key man at the club to make it happen. While a winter deal looks unlikely, Manchester United will try to lure him to the club during the next summer.
