United and Liverpool in battle for £65m premier league star | OneFootball

Man Utd and Liverpool in £65m Battle for Jarrad Branthwaite

Manchester United and Liverpool are once again set for a transfer standoff — this time for Everton’s highly rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. At just 23 years old, the defender has already attracted widespread admiration, and his long-term contract at Goodison Park highlights how highly Everton value him.

United’s Need for Defensive Reinforcement

According to The Mirror, “the centre-back is a long-time target of the Old Trafford top brass, who tried to sign him from the blue half of Merseyside before.” With Harry Maguire’s contract running down and his age catching up, United are preparing to reshape their backline. As noted, “United boss Ruben Amorim is planning for life without Maguire next season, while he also has doubts about the long-term fitness of injury prone defender Lisandro Martinez.”

That leaves Branthwaite as United’s No.1 choice. The report states that “United may test the water with a £65m bid in the January transfer window,” a move that could give them an advantage in what promises to be one of the winter’s biggest transfer stories.

Liverpool’s Interest

Liverpool, meanwhile, are no strangers to battling their rivals for big names. The Mirror suggests “Liverpool are also very keen on the 23 year-old.” With Arne Slot’s squad undergoing gradual defensive transition, Branthwaite’s profile — left-footed, composed on the ball, and defensively robust — makes him a tempting option.

The question remains: would Branthwaite be willing to cross the Merseyside divide? History tells us others have, but Everton’s resistance could make this a long and drawn-out saga.

Everton’s Strong Hand

Everton hold all the cards here. With Branthwaite contracted until 2030, he is not only a vital player but also one of their most valuable assets. Any sale would need to be on their terms, especially given his rising reputation and growing international prospects. The Mirror highlights that “Branthwaite is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in English football.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this report feels both exciting and frustrating in equal measure. On one hand, the idea of signing Jarrad Branthwaite makes perfect sense. He is young, English, left-footed, and already showing the composure and defensive qualities United badly need. With Maguire’s future uncertain and Martinez struggling with injuries, it is clear why Amorim would make him the top target.

However, there’s also the issue of Liverpool’s involvement. Fans know all too well that when both United and Liverpool are in the mix, the competition becomes about more than just money — it’s about prestige and the ability to convince the player. Right now, Liverpool are in a stronger sporting position, having re-established themselves at the top end of the Premier League. As The Mirror points out, “a move to Liverpool rather than United is likely to be more tempting.” That line alone will sting for many supporters.

Still, United’s £65m intent signals ambition. Fans will see this as Ratcliffe backing Amorim in reshaping the squad. The question is whether the club can deliver when it comes to negotiating with Everton, who will not be easy to deal with. If United lose out to Liverpool on another major target, questions will again be asked about recruitment and whether the club can compete for top-level talent.

For now, optimism lingers. United fans will hope Branthwaite sees Old Trafford as the place to become England’s next great centre-half.