Liverpool keen to trump Manchester United for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United have been looking to bring in a new centre back in the recently concluded summer transfer window. But while there were a lot of marquee options being considered at Old Trafford, none of the names materialised into a transfer.
And one of those names being linked with a move to M16 was Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Merseysiders academy graduate had been part of aggressive links with a move to M16 in the past few windows. But it was that new long-term contract that he signed with the Blues in 2025 which made a move quite difficult.
And it does look like Everton will stay put in their current stance of not selling Branthwaite and instead building for the future around him.
But there have been recent reports from Fichajes that suggest that Everton’s Merseyside neighbours Liverpool are looking to make a €74 million move for the 23-year-old’s signature.
Liverpool need Branthwaite; it will hurt United supporters
Liverpool keen to trump Manchester United for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
Manchester United had been linked with Jarrad Branthwaite amid Everton’s refusal to sell
While competitions from rivals sting. The fact that it is United’s once arch rivals Liverpool who are intensifying pursuit of Branthwaite is something that will stay along with the supporters for a long time. It would be seen as a massive misstep at MI6 if he does end up joining United.
Liverpool do need to bring in a set of new centre backs given the fact that Ibrahim Konate has been linked with a move away from Anfield Stadium. And Virgil Van Dijk is on the wrong side of thirties, making it quite obvious that they will soon need to have a defensive overhaul, and it looks like they want Branthwaite to be the centre of it.
WAFU Opinion
Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite set to signed a new contract at Everton earlier this year.
Branthwaite is undoubtedly a massive asset irrespective of where he plays (in terms of which club). He is someone who has that high ceiling that can reap massive dividends for years to come. And that’s exactly why United should continue monitoring this whole situation closely.
If Liverpool does end up pushing for his signature, United must be ready to counter it and ensure that if the value makes sense, they go for him.
But if Everton does end up staying put with their refusal to sell, then so be it. United cannot let one player define their transfer windows like it did in the past.
Do you think Man United should intensify efforts to land Jarrad Branthwaite despite Everton’s stance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.