Manchester United are actively looking to strengthen their defense this summer, with ongoing negotiations to acquire Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt progressing positively. However, their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite remains strong, having already made two bids for the Everton defender.
Yet, recent developments in Everton’s transfer dealings, particularly the imminent sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for approximately £50 million ($64.9m), pose a significant hurdle for United.
According to The Athletic, Everton, who faced financial scrutiny last season, now consider Branthwaite not for sale unless a “hugely substantial” offer is tabled, likely around their reported valuation of £70 million ($90.9m), influenced by Harry Maguire’s 2019 transfer fee.
Branthwaite has history with new United assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, having played under him during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season. This stint marked a pivotal period in Branthwaite’s career, following his 2020 move from lower-league Carlisle to Everton, where he made 35 Premier League appearances last season.
United must now assess their financial strategy and determine if pursuing Branthwaite this summer aligns with their budgetary constraints. Despite this, they continue to explore multiple avenues, including a reportedly accepted bid for Lille’s Leny Yoro. However, their challenge lies in convincing the 18-year-old French talent to opt for Old Trafford over his preferred destination, Real Madrid.