Carlo Ancelotti’s Plans for the 2025/26 Season
Real Madrid’s boss, Carlo Ancelotti, is gearing up for the 2025/26 season by looking to bolster his defensive lineup. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his own future at the club, Ancelotti is committed to fulfilling his contract until the end of next season. The team is facing a significant defensive crisis, with first-choice defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao out until the summer due to ACL injuries. This has left Ancelotti short-handed and under pressure to find reinforcements.
Current Defensive Challenges
The defensive woes at Real Madrid extend beyond the injuries to Carvajal and Militao. Lucas Vazquez is on the fence about extending his expiring contract for another year, and Jesus Vallejo is likely to depart in search of more regular playing time. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, both key players, are also out of contract in 2026, with Alaba struggling with persistent injury issues. This scenario suggests that a comprehensive defensive rebuild might be necessary in the Spanish capital. Ancelotti is acutely aware of these challenges and is actively exploring transfer options to address them.
Jarrad Branthwaite: A Potential Solution
One of the names on Ancelotti’s radar is Jarrad Branthwaite, a highly-rated centre-back from Everton. Branthwaite, who is 22 years old, made his Premier League debut under Ancelotti during the 2019/20 season at Goodison Park. Since then, his development has been remarkable, culminating in a senior England call-up in 2024 and a starting spot in Everton’s defense over the past 18 months. Branthwaite played a crucial role in Everton’s fight for survival in the Premier League last season, forming a solid partnership with veteran James Tarkowski. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United also keeping a close eye on him.
Transfer Feasibility and Contract Considerations
While Ancelotti is keen to secure Branthwaite’s services before Manchester United renews their interest, the transfer is far from a straightforward affair. Branthwaite’s current contract with Everton runs until 2027, and the club, now under the stewardship of David Moyes, is reluctant to let him go easily. Reports from the Daily Mirror suggest that Everton could demand around £75m ($95m) for the young defender, a fee that Ancelotti might find hard to justify given the financial constraints and other priorities at Real Madrid. However, an offer from Madrid is more appealing to Branthwaite at this stage compared to Manchester United, as he weighs the long-term impact of any potential move on his career.
Branthwaite’s Defensive Prowess
Despite his relative lack of experience, Branthwaite has made a significant impact in key defensive metrics. In the 2023/24 Premier League season, he finished at the top of the rankings for dribblers tackled among centre-backs, with 45 successful tackles. He also ranked third in interceptions with 50. These statistics highlight his potential and suggest that he could be a valuable addition to Real Madrid’s defensive lineup. Ancelotti, known for his ability to develop and mentor young talent, sees Branthwaite as a promising prospect who could grow into a top-tier defender over the coming years.
Looking Forward
As Ancelotti prepares to navigate the complexities of the transfer market and address the defensive vulnerabilities in his squad, the potential signing of Jarrad Branthwaite stands out as a strategic move. While there are many factors to consider, including financial constraints and the player’s own career aspirations, the interest in Branthwaite underscores Ancelotti’s commitment to building a strong and resilient defensive unit for the future. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether Branthwaite will don the white jersey of Real Madrid and help steer the club towards continued success.
