Manchester United’s defensive plans remain a hot topic this summer as the club look to reinforce Ruben Amorim’s backline ahead of the 2025/26 season.
With concerns lingering over the fitness and form of key centre-backs, the Reds have been linked to several targets across Europe, including younger domestic talents.
United are still weighing up long-term replacements for Raphael Varane, and doubts also remain over Lisandro Martinez’ future at the club.
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Names such as Jean-Clair Todibo and Marc Guehi made the rounds, but one name who featured heavily on United’s shortlist last year has now made a clear decision on his future.
Jarrad Branthwaite has ended any lingering speculation by signing a new five-year contract with Everton, committing to the club until June 2030, as Everton revealed on the clubs official website.
The 23-year-old, who was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United during 2024, has opted to stay put at Goodison Park despite reported interest from top-six rivals.
Jarrad Branthwaite has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising defenders over the past two seasons, helping Everton finish back-to-back campaigns with the fourth-best defensive record in the league.
After joining the Toffees from Carlisle United in January 2020, and spending development loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, the left-footed centre-back has blossomed into a key figure under Sean Dyche.
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His performances last season earned him both the Players’ Player of the Season and the Young Player of the Season awards, and he reclaimed the latter title this year with an overwhelming 89% of the fan vote.
Speaking to Everton TV following the announcement, Branthwaite said: “I’m over the moon.
“It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.”
While United were long seen as a possible next step in his career, this decision effectively ends the club’s chances of landing him anytime soon.
With Branthwaite now tied down for the next five years, United will need to look elsewhere in their ongoing search for defensive reinforcements.
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