Jarrad Branthwaite has become one of the hottest names in the transfer market, with several of Europe’s elite clubs vying for his signature. The Everton centre-back has been attracting major interest, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and even Real Madrid keeping close tabs on him. And now, with his England aspirations hanging in the balance, the 22-year-old is seriously weighing up his future at Goodison Park. After making his senior England debut under Gareth Southgate in June, Jarrad Branthwaite was expected to be in contention for a place in the squad moving forward. However, new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel had other ideas, opting to leave him out of his first selection. Instead, he chose Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, Newcastle’s Dan Burn, and Liverpool’s rising star Jarell Quansah, alongside more established names like Levi Colwill and Marc Guehi.
That omission has raised concerns for Jarrad Branthwaite. The fear is that staying at Everton, a team that has spent much of the season hovering around the lower half of the Premier League table, could hurt his chances of making it back into the England setup. According this could be a decisive factor in his decision-making when the summer transfer window opens.
It’s no secret that Jarrad Branthwaite has enjoyed his time at Everton. He’s settled, has a good relationship with the club, and has even been open to the idea of signing a contract extension. But his long-term ambitions particularly his international career could push him towards a move elsewhere. And the list of suitors is growing by the day.
Manchester United have been long-time admirers, having already tested Everton’s resolve with two bids last summer, the highest reaching up to £50 million. Those offers were swiftly rejected, but Manchester United’s interest remains strong. They aren’t the only ones in the mix, though. Liverpool have now entered the race, while Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping an eye on the situation. And then there’s Real Madrid, who are reportedly considering a move for the young defender—a player they first became aware of when Carlo Ancelotti signed him for Everton during his time in charge at Goodison Park.
Everton, of course, are not eager to let Jarrad Branthwaite leave. The Toffees managed to steer clear of a relegation battle under David Moyes, and losing one of their standout performers would be a huge blow. They slapped a price tag north of £70 million on him last summer, and given his continued development and increased demand, that valuation is unlikely to have dropped.
From Jarrad Branthwaite’s perspective, the decision isn’t just about money. Sure, the clubs chasing him can all offer significantly higher wages than Everton, but this is about more than just financial incentives. He’s at a crucial stage in his career, and he needs to be playing at the highest level to keep his England dream alive.
Manchester United’s project is an interesting one. They’re desperate for a top-class centre-back to partner Lisandro Martínez, with Raphael Varane’s future uncertain and Harry Maguire’s long-term role still a question mark. A move to Old Trafford would see Jarrad Branthwaite playing Champions League football (assuming Manchester United secure qualification) and competing for silverware, which would certainly boost his England prospects.
Liverpool’s interest adds another layer of intrigue. Jurgen Klopp may be departing, but the Reds are still a powerhouse, and their defensive depth has been a talking point. With Virgil van Dijk entering the latter stages of his career and Joel Matip set to leave, a move to Anfield could see Jarrad Branthwaite slotting into one of the most well-drilled defensive units in Europe. Plus, the appeal of working under Liverpool’s next manager whoever that may be could be a major factor.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are always on the lookout for defensive reinforcements, and Pep Guardiola’s style could be a perfect fit for Jarrad Branthwaite’s composed, ball-playing abilities. Tottenham, too, have been actively strengthening their squad under Ange Postecoglou and would see Branthwaite as a long-term solution at the back.
But perhaps the most eye-catching name in the mix is Real Madrid. Los Blancos have a history of signing elite young talent, and Jarrad Branthwaite’s profile fits what they look for. If Madrid were to come knocking, it would be tough for any player to turn down the chance to play at the Bernabéu. He’d be joining a squad packed with world-class talent and would have the opportunity to compete for La Liga and Champions League titles year in, year out.
Everton still hold some leverage in this situation. Jarrad Branthwaite is under contract until 2027, with an option for an extra year, meaning they are under no immediate pressure to sell. However, if he pushes for a move, they may be forced to reconsider their stance, especially if a big-money offer comes in.
For Jarrad Branthwaite, the decision won’t be easy. Staying at Everton offers stability, and he’s already a key player at the club. But with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he knows he can’t afford to be overlooked by England for too long. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of his career, and whichever club wins the race for his signature will be landing one of the brightest defensive talents in the game today.
