In a recent report, journalists Danny Rust and Dean Jones revealed that Real Madrid have set their sights on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. It has been claimed that Los Blancos are eyeing a move to bring the English talent to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next year.
Branthwaite’s Impressive Form At Goodison Park Last Season
Branthwaite put in a run of solid performances at the centre of Everton’s backline in the previous campaign. The English talent participated in 41 matches for the Toffees last season, finding the back of the net three times and earning one assist on all fronts.
The 22-year-old was a decent contributor on the defensive third of the pitch based on his average of 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 4.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He was even tidy when distributing the ball from the back after completing 80.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Merseyside club will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, it won’t be easy for Real Madrid to get a deal done for him on the cheap next year.
Should Real Madrid Boss Carlo Ancelotti Go For Branthwaite?
Branthwaite is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.95m, the English talent can use his strong frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, it remains to be seen whether he can make a smooth transition to life in La Liga if Real Madrid manage to get him on board next year.
We can expect Branthwaite to add more quality and depth to Carlo Ancelotti’s defence. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the Madrid club in the coming years.
At 22, Branthwaite has the potential to be a world-class player in his position someday. Therefore, Ancelotti would be wise to go for a defender of his quality this January or at the end of this campaign. Branthwaite might even help Los Blancos challenge for some major honours over the next decade.
