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Jarrad Branthwaite Emerges As Real Madrid’s Top Defensive Target This Summer 3v4c2h
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished26 Feb 2025
The latest Jarrad Branthwaite transfer news has indicated that the Everton star is Real Madrid’s top defensive target this summer.
Los Blancos have suffered a number of injuries to their backline this season. In particular to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, who have both suffered anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.
Whilst they will be out for the foreseeable future, boss Carlo Ancelotti has also been without the likes of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba for parts of the 2024/25 campaign.
More notably, Rudiger and Alaba are out of contract in 2026 so a new centre-back is the main priority at the Bernabeu in the coming months.
Ancelotti’s future in Madrid has been the hot topic of conversation in recent weeks. That was mainly due to Real’s struggles in the new-look Champions League format.
However, Ancelotti’s side got the better of Premier League champions Man City in a two-legged playoff. They won the first game at the Etihad 3-2 before beating the Cityzens 3-1 on home soil to progress to the R16.
🚨 Real Madrid are keen to sign a centre-back this summer and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is on their wish-list.
(Source: @TEAMtalk) pic.twitter.com/YdXCr2BVxS
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 26, 2025
Jarrad Branthwaite Transfer News 3x4q4j
In November, it was reported that Everton were unable to afford a new contract for Jarrad Branthwaite. This despite his current deal expiring in 2027 but the Toffees do have the option to extend that by a further year.
Off the back of that news, Man United were set to reignite their interest in the highly-rated centre-back. However, Real Madrid will surely prove a more attractive suitor for the 22-year-old if they come in with a concrete offer.
Branthwaite has already demonstrated his qualities and attributes that could take him to the very top. And where better to do that than the Bernabeu with Madrid’s abundance of world class stars.
Internationally, Branthwaite has just the one senior England cap to his name so far. He is expected to play a key role in the World Cup qualifiers in March.
Interestingly, Carlo Ancelotti actually gave Branthwaite his Toffees debut in 2020. That in itself could tip the scales in Madrid’s favour if they do opt to pursue the Carlisle-born man this summer.
It’s believed that the Merseysiders would be seeking a fee of approximately £70 million to enter into negotiations. A figure that wouldn’t likely prove to be a problem for Real.
Branthwaite is expected back in action against Brentford on Wednesday. Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites price Everton at 13/5 to win in west London.