Real Madrid Track Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite Despite €93m Price Tag
Real Madrid are monitoring Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as they assess future defensive additions, but Everton’s reported €93m valuation could block any immediate move.
Key takeaways
- Madrid rebuilt their back line in the summer by bringing in Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate.
- Raul Asencio remains in the squad, although the Spanish champions still see room for another central defender.
- Everton do not want to sell Branthwaite and are said to value the 24-year-old at €93m.
- Manchester United, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid could also enter the race.
- Branthwaite missed 31 games in 2025-26 because of repeated hamstring issues but has begun this season strongly.
Everton stance could test Madrid’s resolve
Branthwaite has become a leading long-term option for Madrid’s recruitment team, with his Premier League experience, physical presence and potential for further development all appealing to the Bernabeu hierarchy.
But Everton consider him central to their plans and have set a price designed to deter interest. The €93m figure reflects both his value to the Goodison Park side and the premium attached to a young English player developed in the Premier League.
Madrid are careful over major fees and are unlikely to pursue a deal at any price. If Everton refuse to lower their demand, the club could turn towards cheaper alternatives for their central-defensive rotation in a later transfer window.
The Spanish side’s need is not immediate after a summer overhaul that delivered Dumfries, Cucurella and Konate. Still, the club believe another specialist centre-back could eventually complete the defensive group, even with Asencio retained as cover.
United and rivals track Branthwaite
Manchester United remain long-time admirers and could revive their pursuit as they look to strengthen Michael Carrick’s defence. Former United chief scout Mick Brown said Branthwaite has been near the top of the club’s target list for a considerable period, while the player’s fitness is being watched closely through the campaign.
That scrutiny follows a difficult 2025-26 season. Hamstring setbacks repeatedly interrupted Branthwaite’s year and kept him out for 31 matches in all competitions. His early performances this term, however, suggest those problems have eased.
Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have also been identified as possible contenders if Everton’s asking price becomes more realistic. Their interest only strengthens Everton’s position as they seek to keep hold of one of their most important defenders.
