Manchester City Add Everton Defender Jarrad Branthwaite to Their Transfer Radar for 2025 Overhaul

Manchester City have reportedly identified Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential target for their defensive reinforcements in 2025. The Premier League champions, known for their strategic squad rebuilds, are planning for the next phase of Pep Guardiola’s squad evolution amid ongoing assessments across all positions.

According to The Telegraph, Etihad Stadium transfer chiefs, led by sporting director Txiki Begiristain and his incoming successor Hugo Viana, are exploring options to bolster Guardiola’s squad for both the January and summer transfer windows next year. This process forms part of a larger strategy to maintain City’s dominance domestically and in Europe while addressing gaps in key positions.

While much of the focus this season has been on Guardiola’s midfield struggles due to persistent injuries and aging squad members, defensive areas have also been flagged for improvement. The report reveals that Branthwaite, Everton’s promising centre-back, has caught City’s attention as a long-term solution to solidify their backline.

Branthwaite’s rise at Everton has not gone unnoticed, despite the young defender enduring some injury setbacks in recent months. His composure on the ball, aerial dominance, and physicality align well with the profile of a modern centre-back—a quality Pep Guardiola has historically sought in his defensive recruits.

Interestingly, Branthwaite himself has previously expressed admiration for City’s defensive stalwart John Stones. In a 2023 interview, Branthwaite said, “I look up to John Stones. He looks good on the ball and defensively.” Stones’ evolution into one of the league’s most versatile defenders under Guardiola highlights the kind of career path Branthwaite could emulate at City.

Manchester City are aware that signing Branthwaite would come with significant financial implications. Everton, under financial pressure but keen to retain their top assets, have already shown resilience in holding onto the defender. Manchester United’s failed pursuit last summer reportedly ended with a rejected £50 million bid, signaling that Everton’s valuation of Branthwaite could be even higher now.

City’s interest in Branthwaite comes amid wider conversations about reshaping their defensive structure. While Ruben Dias, John Stones, and Nathan Aké remain key figures, injuries and fatigue have forced Guardiola to rotate heavily this season. Additionally, with the aging Kyle Walker and question marks over squad depth, City’s backline is an area that requires fresh investment to remain resilient across competitions.

Alongside Branthwaite, Manchester City are also evaluating options to strengthen their attacking department. Erling Haaland’s brilliance up front has at times been undermined by the lack of a reliable supporting striker. The club reportedly retains a buyback option on Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, a former academy product who is thriving since his summer departure.

Delap, who was sold to Ipswich for an initial £15 million plus add-ons, has emerged as a standout performer this season. City’s decision to include a 20% sell-on clause and a buyback option highlights their long-term interest in the forward, and his progress will be closely monitored as the club evaluates attacking reinforcements.

This dual focus—strengthening both defensive and attacking areas—reflects Manchester City’s ambition to remain at the pinnacle of football. Guardiola’s tactical setup relies heavily on versatile defenders who can build from the back and attackers capable of complementing Haaland’s goalscoring prowess.

For Branthwaite, a move to Manchester City would represent a significant step in his young career. At just 22 years old, the defender has shown maturity and technical ability beyond his years, qualities that would make him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system. The opportunity to work alongside experienced players like Ruben Dias and John Stones could accelerate his development into one of Europe’s elite centre-backs.

Everton, however, are unlikely to let Branthwaite leave without a fight. The Merseyside club’s refusal to accept bids last summer indicates their intent to build around the young defender, particularly as they seek to stabilize their position in the Premier League. Manchester City may need to break the bank to secure his services, with Everton expected to demand a fee exceeding £60 million.

Ultimately, Branthwaite’s potential move highlights Manchester City’s meticulous approach to squad planning. With Guardiola keen to future-proof his team, the club is leaving no stone unturned in identifying talent capable of meeting their lofty standards. Branthwaite’s blend of physicality, technical skill, and composure makes him an attractive proposition for a club that values defensive excellence.

As the 2025 transfer windows approach, City fans can expect more developments on the Branthwaite front, with negotiations likely to intensify should Everton signal any willingness to negotiate. For now, Branthwaite remains a key figure at Goodison Park, but his future could soon take him to the Etihad Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s next great squad is beginning to take shape.