Real Madrid might reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, whose price tag has been £75 million, in the 2025 summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are compiling a shortlist of candidates to bolster their central defensive unit in the 2025 summer transfer window. So, the Everton centre-back, who has been on Manchester United’s radar for a long time, has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.
The rapid rise of Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has made considerable progress since establishing himself as the first-choice centre-back for Everton last season. The Englishman needed a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 campaign to convince Sean Dyche that he was the right man for the job.
The 22-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for Everton while chipping in with four goals and one assist. Branthwaite’s progress at the Merseyside club has helped him break into his national team, and he made his England bow this past summer ahead of UEFA Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United attempted to sign the English international in the summer transfer window before a move failed to materialise. The youngster is now a target for Real Madrid.
A big move beckons?
Manchester United no longer need to sign Jarrad Branthwaite unless they part ways with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans next summer. However, the Red Devils should keep the Everton defender on their radar, although the Toffees’ asking price of £75 million poses a problem.
As for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti wants a young centre-back in his squad, as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30. So, signing a candidate who fits the profile is necessary for Los Blancos, with William Saliba the Spanish club’s top target. However, Branthwaite is also a viable candidate for Real Madrid.
Recent reports have claimed that the 22-year-old English defender will likely leave Everton in the 2025 summer transfer window. However, the Toffees might not be able to demand £75 million to part ways with Branthwaite next year. It will be interesting to see if he lands at the Santiago Bernabeu.