Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Fri 3 April 2026 11:10, UK

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has once again been linked with a move away.

Despite centre-back Branthwaite signing a five-year contract with the Toffees in July 2025, speculation is continuing to build over a big-money departure in the summer.

The 23-year-old has only recently returned after missing the opening half of the campaign, having suffered a hamstring injury before undergoing surgery in October.

As a result, he has been restricted to just eight appearances in total, but this hasn’t stopped potential suitors from circling at the worst possible time for David Moyes.

While Everton will be determined to keep Branthwaite, it could be time for them to accept the prospect of losing him, providing they can land a substantial fee.

Manchester United back in for Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite has been outstanding at Hill Dickinson Stadium during his limited minutes this season. When back at full sharpness, he will doubtlessly be a fixture in Moyes’ starting XI.

The centre-back will be crucial in helping Everton qualify for Europe, with just three points separating them from the Champions League places, but his mind could stray elsewhere.

That is because Manchester United held a meeting with his representatives in February, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand on YouTube.

United are said to view Branthwaite as a long-term successor to Harry Maguire and would be open to wrapping up a deal either this summer or in 2027.

This open-ended time frame will surely frustrate the Merseysiders’ hierarchy, who will have little choice but to brace themselves for life after the former Carlisle man.

United’s infatuation with Branthwaite is certainly no secret, and if the player wants to move to Old Trafford, Everton would do well not to stand in his way and risk a dressing room issue.

Everton still in Branthwaite driving seat

The one-cap England international would rightly fetch around £70million at a time that the Red Devils can’t afford to splash the cash. As a result, the Toffees hold all the cards.

While his season has been derailed by injuries, leaving him slightly off the pace, he is still a world-class performer. Crucially, he also believes he is not yet at his peak.

So far this campaign, he has played eight times in the top-flight, making one tackle, 3.5 clearances and 2.4 ball recoveries per game – enough to land him back on United’s radar.

Regardless, Everton must stick to their guns.

They have a stalwart on their hands – for both now and into the future – and won’t be able to put a price on his impact if he helps them into Europe.