After hearing about it on Saturday morning, it appears that Manchester United is on the verge of winning the race to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton fans are increasingly convinced that Manchester United will soon finalize a deal to bring the talented young defender to Old Trafford. Branthwaite, who was playing for Carlisle United in League Two as recently as 2019, has experienced a rapid and impressive rise in his football career, which has caught the attention of top clubs.
Everton is holding out for a substantial transfer fee of £75 million before agreeing to part ways with Branthwaite. This hefty sum comes at a time when Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is aiming to streamline the club’s finances, is looking to manage expenses carefully.
However, the sentiment within Goodison Park highlights why Manchester United views this potential acquisition as a valuable investment. Sean Dyche, Everton’s manager, was asked about Branthwaite’s readiness to maintain his composure and performance levels after his first call-up to the England squad in March. Dyche confidently responded, “That won’t be a problem any longer.” He added, “He came in and hasn’t changed. He’s garnered a lot of positive attention since returning from PSV, which is justified; he’s consistently earned man of the match awards.”
Dyche further elaborated, “Don’t forget that he signed a new contract. He’s been solid with the Under-21s. You want him to improve and become more self-assured, to excel on the field and carve out his own identity.” He drew parallels with his past experiences at Burnley, where young players like James Tarkowski and Michael Keane grew into their roles, expressing their individual styles and emerging as leaders.
The coaching staff at Everton evidently believes Branthwaite is on the path to becoming one of the world’s best players, a sentiment that resonates positively with Manchester United supporters. The young defender embodies the type of player United is keen to recruit during the summer transfer window. Ratcliffe and INEOS are focused on bringing in young talent who can not only bolster the team’s current performance but also provide future resale value and sustained improvement over time.
Manchester United is prepared to make a significant financial commitment to secure Branthwaite’s services, confident that his performances this season indicate he can thrive under the high-pressure environment at Old Trafford.