Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as the Premier League champions prepare for a summer of significant change at the Etihad Stadium.
With Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Pep Guardiola all expected to leave the club following the World Cup, City are assessing potential replacements across several key positions. Strengthening the centre of defence has emerged as a priority, and Branthwaite has reportedly moved onto the club’s shortlist.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of England’s most highly-rated young defenders despite enduring a frustrating run of injuries over the past few seasons.
Branthwaite’s fitness record remains a concern for any potential suitor. The Everton centre-back has suffered four separate hamstring injuries in the last year alone, while ankle and thigh problems have also disrupted his progress and limited his opportunities to build momentum.
Those recurring setbacks have even affected his international prospects with England.
However, when available, Branthwaite has consistently demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the Premier League’s standout defensive talents.
Over the past three seasons, he has started 78 of Everton’s 83 matches and accumulated more than 7,000 minutes of first-team football. His ability to play out from the back has become a key part of his game, recording a pass completion rate above 81 per cent, a figure that rises to nearly 89 per cent for passes played inside his own half.
Such statistics are likely to appeal to Manchester City, whose possession-based approach demands defenders capable of building attacks from deep.
Defensively, Branthwaite’s numbers are equally impressive.
He has won possession 356 times during the past three campaigns and ranks among Everton’s most effective defenders for clearances, tackles and aerial duels. His dominance in one-on-one situations is reflected by a duel success rate of more than 66 per cent, while his physical presence has made him one of the most difficult defenders in the league to overcome.
The towering centre-back has also shown excellent discipline. Across the last three seasons he has received only 13 yellow cards and conceded just one penalty, highlighting both his composure and timing in defensive situations.
For Everton, any discussions regarding a transfer are expected to start at around £70 million.
The Merseyside club are under no pressure to sell and regard Branthwaite as one of the foundations of David Moyes’ rebuilding project. Nevertheless, such a fee could provide Everton with the resources to strengthen several areas of the squad should they eventually decide to cash in.
City’s interest may not go uncontested.
Manchester United have previously been linked with the defender, while several leading European clubs are also believed to be monitoring his situation closely.
Ultimately, much may depend on Branthwaite himself. The defender has consistently shown loyalty to Everton and has previously resisted speculation linking him with a move away from Goodison Park.
For now, his immediate priority remains returning to full fitness and continuing his development.
But with Manchester City preparing for life after John Stones and potentially entering a new era following Guardiola’s departure, Branthwaite could soon find himself at the centre of one of the summer’s biggest transfer battles.
