Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite when the transfer window reopens.
Los Blancos have faced a defensive crisis this season, with Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba spending time on the sidelines. Militao is a long-term casualty, having sustained an ACL in the right knee a year after tearing left ligaments, while Rudiger and Alaba are out of contract at the end of the season.
As a result, Carlo Ancelotti has had to rely on young Raul Asencio over the last couple of months, and the 22-year-old has performed well. However, the Spanish champions have made it a priority to bolster their defensive unit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Real Madrid have discussed internally the prospect of signing Jarrad Branthwaite, although they are yet to make a concrete approach to the defender or Everton thus far.
The Toffees want to offer the 22-year-old a new contract until 2029/2030 to fend off potential suitors as he is viewed as a crucial player for the club’s future. He is under contract at Goodison Park until 2027, but with the club having the option to extend it by a further year, the Merseysiders remain in a strong negotiating position and value Branthwaite in excess of £70million.
Jarrad Branthwaite to Real Madrid—Should they make a move for him?
David Moyes has done an unbelievable job since returning to Everton last month. The veteran tactician has steadied the ship with four wins and two draws from his first seven games. This has seen the Toffees rise 14 points clear of the dreaded drop zone.
Now with the Merseyside outfit looking safe, Real Madrid or any potential suitor have to pay a sizeable fee to sign Jarrad Branthwaite. After overcoming a groin problem during the early parts of the ongoing campaign, Branthwaite has performed well for Everton. Rated as one of the best young defensive talents in the Premier League, he has delivered some eye-catching displays in a rejuvenated Everton side under Moyes—most notably in the recent draws against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Real are on the verge of losing both Alaba and Rudiger as free agents in the summer unless they pen fresh terms. Alaba has had a torrid time with injuries since joining the Spanish club a couple of years ago. The Austrian will turn 33 in June and Real need a plan of succession to make a smooth transition. If he extends his contract at Santiago Bernabeu, Les Merengues could sign a young player who would compete with Alaba for the starting position and eventually succeed him.
Branthwaite fits the profile perfectly for Madrid to succeed Alaba, having a mix of physical attributes and technical skills to succeed in a highly competitive environment. The Carlisle-born defender still has a lot of room for growth and he could unlock his potential under Ancelotti at Madrid.
So, the Spanish giants must not hesitate to splash big to secure Branthwaite’s signature.
