Manchester United are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in a Premier League star, who they tried to sign in the summer.
Having spent around £200 million on attacking reinforcements last summer, Manchester United’s focus in the coming transfer windows is likely to be on midfield and the back line.
It’s no secret that United want a new no.6, and the Old Trafford outfit did make an ambitious attempt to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba last summer. Whether it’s him or someone else, United are expected to make a marquee signing in that position in 2026.
A new left-wing back will likely also be on the agenda, and a new centre-back is also a possibility, specifically a left-sided centre-back, with Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt impressing in the other roles.
Luke Shaw has started to regain form in recent weeks following a prolonged period on the sidelines, but whether he can stay fit is the question, as he’s been plagued by injuries throughout his career.
Lisandro Martínez is also approaching a return to full fitness, but the same question that hangs over Shaw also applies to him, considering this is already his third significant injury since moving to England.
United remain keen on Branthwaite
In the summer of 2023, United reportedly agreed personal terms with Jarrad Branthwaite and even made two offers to Everton for the English defender, with the biggest one worth up to £50 million including add-ons. In the end, Unite abandoned their pursuit of the Englishman and instead completed deals to sign de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Yoro from Lille.
According to CaughtOffside, United have continued to admire Branthwaite since failing to sign him two years ago, and the club view him as a potential pillar in their defensive rebuild.
The report claims that Tottenham also see Branthwaite as an ideal fit for Thomas Frank’s system, with the North-London side in search of a left-footed centre-back.
Just as they did in 2023, Everton value Branthwaite at around £70 million and have a lot of negotiating power, as Branthwaite’s contract at the Merseyside club runs until June 2030.
Branthwaite would be a great signing at the right price
Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the best young defensive prospects in Europe. He is physically dominant in duels, both on the ground and in the air. He’s amazing at defending the channels and is a superb box-defender. He is comfortable on both feet, and whilst he isn’t the most progressive in possession, he is technically secure on the ball.
Shaw and Martínez are both brilliant players, but until proved otherwise, they can’t be relied upon to stay fit, and realistically, one of the two should probably be moved on in the summer should a suitable offer arrive.
One of them leaving would pave the way for United to sign Branthwaite. An outstanding young talent who could be a pivotal part of United’s defence for the next 10 years alongside Yoro.
The £70 million Everton demand is a lot of money, but if United can negotiate the deal down towards a fee closer to £55-60 million, Branthwaite would be an exceptional signing. If they don’t sign him, a rival almost certainly will.
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