Man Utd Sign Everton's Branthwaite in £35m Deal

Manchester United have completed the signing of defender Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton for an initial £35m, with the deal potentially rising to £45m in add-ons. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford after undergoing a medical on Monday.

Everton reluctantly agreed to the transfer despite initially valuing the centre-back at £70m, with financial pressures from Profit and Sustainability Rules forcing compromise. The deal includes a 15% sell-on clause for future transfers. Branthwaite becomes United's first summer signing as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe oversees defensive reinforcements.

The Carlisle-born defender enjoyed a breakthrough Premier League campaign last season, making 35 appearances and earning an England senior call-up in June. His left-footed distribution and aerial dominance attracted United's recruitment team, who prioritized youth after conceding 58 league goals in 2023-24 - their worst defensive record since 1978-79.

For Everton, the sale provides crucial financial relief following two successive seasons flirting with relegation. Manager Sean Dyche will reinvest part of the fee in multiple targets, with Hull City's Jacob Greaves among potential replacements. United manager Erik ten Hag views Branthwaite as a long-term partner for Lisandro Martínez, with Raphael Varane having departed this summer.