Ancelotti eyeing sensational Everton reunion at Real Madrid

Willem Leijgraf

• Updated: 8 Jan 2024 19:03 GMT
• 3 min read

Jarrad Branthwaite could complete a mega transfer to Real Madrid.

After his loan stint at PSV last season, the 21-year-old Everton defender has become a permanent fixture under coach Sean Dyche and has attracted the attention of various top European clubs.

Branthwaite was linked with a longer stay at PSV last summer but nevertheless returned to Everton. Here, after sitting on the bench for 90 minutes in the first two competitive matches, he gained confidence in the starting line-up and did not surrender this place again. The youngster has since only had to miss one game due to suspension.

Branthwaite's new importance to Everton meant that relegation-battlers wanted to extend his contract in October. The towering defender penned a new deal, which means he will be contracted until 2027 with an option for an extra year.

It did not deter interested clubs, however, as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, among others, have been heavily linked to the English youth international.

Branthwaite to Madrid?

In addition to the English elite, Branthwaite has now also aroused the attention of Real Madrid, according to the Daily Mail. In their search for a talented central defender, the Spanish giants have identified the left-footed prodigy and plan to strike after this season.

Branthwaite has fond memories of Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, who handed him his debut in Everton's first team at the age of just 18. The coach, who recently extended his contract with Real Madrid, used Branthwaite a total of five times during his stint at Everton. Ancelotti's son, who is one of his assistants, is said to be in regular contact with the 21-year-old.

According to his agent David Reeves, Branthwaite is not considering leaving, however. “Everton were the ones who took a chance on Jarrad in signing him from Carlisle [for €1.1 million in January 2020] and he is happy getting a run in the team and playing well."

"You can't help but notice the way he is performing but he's a loyal, level-headed lad and he's enjoying this moment. He just wants to carry on growing as a player, getting better.'"

It is not known whether Everton are open to Branthwaite leaving. At the beginning of December, when FootballTransfers reported that he was being courted by Tottenham Hotspur, there was talk of a price tag of around €90 million.