Manchester United’s attempt to secure Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton has hit a roadblock, with the Merseyside club rejecting a second bid of £50 million for the defender. Sources have revealed that Everton is holding out for a higher fee of around £70 million to part ways with Branthwaite, who emerged as an exciting defensive talent in the previous Premier League season.
High Valuation
Despite missing out on a spot in England’s squad for Euro 2024, Branthwaite has garnered attention for his performances on the pitch. Everton’s valuation of the player at £70 million reflects their belief in his potential and contribution to the team. The initial bid of £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons from Manchester United was swiftly turned down by Everton, signaling their firm stance on Branthwaite’s market value.
While Everton has faced financial constraints, recent player departures have provided some relief. The club’s compliance with Profit and Sustainability rules has been aided by the sales of Ben Godfrey, Dele Alli, André Gomes, and Lewis Dobbin. However, any potential deal involving Branthwaite would also entail a 15% fee to Carlisle due to the terms of his initial transfer to Everton from the League Two side.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Branthwaite is part of a larger strategy to revamp their squad during the transfer window. The club has expressed interest in other targets such as Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Joshua Zerkzee from Bologna. To finance these moves, United is looking to offload several players including Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Donny van de Beek. There is also speculation around the potential departure of defenders Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf, whose contracts are set to expire in June 2025.
The rejection of Manchester United’s bid for Jarrad Branthwaite by Everton underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market. Everton’s valuation of the player at £70 million indicates their firm stance on his worth, while Manchester United’s pursuit of Branthwaite is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad. As negotiations continue, the final outcome of this transfer saga remains uncertain.
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