During the summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag and Manchester United may part ways with not one, but many
center backs. They were aware that veteran Jonny Evans’ contract was about to expire, but Raphael Varane may also
depart as a free agency following the Red Devils’ decision not to use their option to extend Varane’s contract by an
additional year. Should the club receive a high enough bid, both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are available for
purchase elsewhere.
Naturally, this means that several additions could be made to that region at Old Trafford. Jarrad Branthwaite of
Everton is one such candidate. Previous reports suggest that United is interested in Branthwaite, and Everton’s
financial difficulties may force them to consider selling. For violating the Premier League Profit and Sustainability
Rules, the Toffees have already lost ten points and are facing additional charges for infractions during a different
accounting period.
The Italian daily Corriere dello Sport now claims that Branthwaite is someone Manchester United wants to sign
before the January transfer market closes on Thursday. Although Real Madrid and Chelsea have expressed interest,
the 20-time Premier League winners are leading the charge.
Ten Hag is pressing for a deal that, when bonuses are taken into account, would end up costing £40 million, but
Everton boss Sean Dyche views the defender as “untouchable” in his fight to keep them in the race. At Goodison
Park, the intention is to keep Branthwaite through the summer at the latest, but the extent of the financial strain
remains to be seen.
After loan stints at Blackburn and PSV, Branthwaite moved to Everton from Carlisle in 2020, but it hasn’t been until
this season that he has made an impact on the Merseyside squad. His accomplishments in the Netherlands, where he
played 37 games and won the Dutch Cup, undoubtedly delighted his parent club.
On the international front, he was a member of the England under-21 team that defeated Germany 2-0 in the group
stage of the European Championships last summer without giving up a goal.
As Alan Shearer put it, Branthwaite has proven to be a “magnificent at the back” by starting 18 of Everton’s 21 games
this season. He’s won 80.6% of the tackles he’s attempted, which is the seventh-best record in the league, as you can
see in the above table. His remarkably high rate of interceptions and clearances also indicate to excellent positioning
and tenacious defense of his own penalty area.
It’s doubtful that United will be able to complete this deal in the January window because time is running out, but
even if they have to wait until the summer, this might be a great addition. Considering what’s happening at Everton
and accounting for the possibility of a lower cost, you might have yourself a deal.
