Everton Set To Receive A £65 Million Bid For Their Star Player: What Should the Toffees Do? | OneFootball

Manchester United continue to search for stability in defence, and their long-term plan focuses on players who can step straight into the team. After years of inconsistency at the back, the club seem ready to invest heavily in a defender they trust to anchor the team for the next decade. The Daily Mirror report states that Jarrad Branthwaite remains their top target for next summer, and United plan to make a £65 million bid to sign him from Everton.

Two summers ago, Everton rejected several bids for Branthwaite, and since then, the 23-year-old has grown into one of England’s most reliable defenders. Manchester United see him as the ideal replacement for Harry Maguire, whose future looks uncertain even though the club extended his contract.

United do not plan to offer Maguire a new deal, so Branthwaite is now their clear priority. Everton, however, have more control since the player signed a new contract on higher wages, and that could complicate negotiations. We reported earlier that Manchester United planned a £60 million offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in January, yet the club stood firm, and now United prepare to return with an even bigger bid.

Everton’s decision and the wider implications

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 08: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Everton FC at Molineux on March 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

A £65 million offer for Branthwaite gives Everton a decision that goes far beyond the usual transfer debate. If Everton accept the money, they can boost their transfer budget, ease Profit and Sustainability Rule pressures, and strengthen several areas of the squad. At the same time, selling him would take away a player Everton see as central to their project and identity, and it could leave fans disillusioned and questioning ambition.

Rejecting the money brings consequences, but it shows Everton’s ambition to keep a cornerstone of their defence. Branthwaite’s consistent performances in the Premier League, his recent five-year contract signed in July 2025, and his growing importance to the manager all underline his value to the club.

His value could rise further if he maintains this level, so keeping him could secure a greater financial reward in the long run. However, if results falter and he pushes for a move, Everton could later receive less. Everton are not willing to let Jarrad Branthwaite go, even in the January transfer window, and that stance could continue into the summer. For now, they would be wise to hold firm, demand closer to £70-75 million, and perhaps explore performance-based add-ons that reflect his true value.