Manchester United is reportedly planning to make a new offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as they aim to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s defense. Branthwaite, a 21-year-old center-back, became a key target for the Red Devils following an impressive season in Sean Dyche’s lineup.
Standing at 6’5”, Branthwaite combines height, speed, and technical ability, making him an ideal modern defender. His youth, homegrown status, and Premier League experience further solidified his appeal to INEOS, which took over the football operations at Old Trafford in February and identified him as a priority signing.
United had two bids for Branthwaite, the latter reaching around £50 million (£45 million plus £5 million in add-ons), but Everton stood firm on their valuation, believed to be over £70 million.
Everton officials feel that recent transfer fees for young center-backs, such as Josko Gvardiol’s move to Manchester City and Wesley Fofana’s transfer to Chelsea, justify their price for a player of Branthwaite’s caliber.
From United’s viewpoint, the asking price was seen as excessive, especially considering Branthwaite’s limited first-team experience with Everton.
Additionally, the club is operating under financial fair play restrictions, which constrain their transfer budget. Nonetheless, the urgent need for central defensive reinforcements following a disappointing season persists.
After their second bid for Branthwaite was turned down, United quickly secured 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille, regarded as a generational talent.
However, during his second match with the club on a pre-season tour in the US, Yoro suffered an injury, raising concerns reminiscent of the severe injury crisis that plagued Ten Hag’s squad last season.
After a period of silence from the club, it was confirmed that Yoro had sustained a metatarsal injury requiring surgery, sidelining him for three months. Reports suggest that he may not return to action until January, marking a significant setback for United, who had hoped to integrate him into the first team as the season commenced.
In light of this situation, United is reconsidering their approach to Branthwaite, with sources indicating that combining him with Yoro could form a foundational central defensive partnership.
Whether United can convince Everton to lower their demands in a fresh round of negotiations remains uncertain, but the need for a new center-back has become increasingly pressing as the transfer window closes.
Leave a Reply