Carlo Ancelotti wants to be reunited with Jarrad Branthwaite at Real Madrid
Transfer insider Dean Jones has suggested that Carlo Ancelotti is the driver of Real Madrid interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, a signing which he has “real intent” for after giving the defender his Everton debut.
From his time as a Carlisle player in 2019–20, Branthwaite has advanced significantly. The next season, he relocated to Goodison Park, and despite spending a few seasons away from the Toffees, he is now a regular.
In addition to having played all bar four Everton games for 90 minutes this season, his quick rise earned him a spot in the most current England squad.
He didn’t make his under-21 team debut until June 2023, but it looks like he might play his first Three Lions match against either Belgium or Brazil.
If Branthwaite were to play against either of those titans, a strong showing would send his stock plunging from its already lofty perch.
In fact, Manchester United has been heavily connected to him due to his excellent form, which has him regarded as one of the greatest center backs in the Premier League right now and an £80 million asset.
Real Madrid is reportedly in the running as well, so they may have competition to sign the Englishman.
Moving to the Bernabeu four years after leaving League Two Carlisle could come as a bit of a shock.
Ancelotti driving Branthwaite interest
But when some significant background is added, it starts to appear a little less insane.
As the manager who signed Branthwaite to Everton, Ancelotti did, in fact, obviously recognize potential in the player, and Jones speculates that Branthwaite might be the driver of Real interest.
In the unlikely event that he does decide to transfer, I would proceed with caution before discounting Real Madrid. Jones told GIVEMESPORT, “I don’t think they are favorites to sign him, but I do think their interest in him is real and it makes some sense.
Not only did Carlo Ancelotti mentor him during his time at Everton, but he also knew him from that time. He gave him a rating back then and seems impressed with how far he’s come.
PL sides on top but Real in hunt
The insider believes Real are behind English sides such as United, but they’re in the race, and the fact Branthwaite has played on the continent before would help him to adapt if he was to move to Spain.
“I think the fact that Branthwaite has spent time on loan at PSV also says a lot about him as a person and puts extra faith in the fact he could adapt to playing in a different country,” Jones added.
“At the moment, it still makes more sense that he would end up at another Premier League club, but if we are to look at another option, I do believe Real Madrid’s intent to be real.”
It will be interesting to see if Real do go after him, and if Branthwaite has a choice in the matter, if he’d rather play for United or Real.
