The transfer of Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United has finally been finalized after the third offer was approved. The player is currently in Manchester to undergo a medical checkup as a new signing for Manchester United; welcome to Old Trafford.
After securing a contract extension in the Old Trafford dugout, which will see him stay until June 2026, the Dutch tactician is keen to add bodies to his back line having endured their worst defensive season since 1978/79 last campaign.Especially on the back of Raphael Varane’s departure, not only has Branthwaite been identified as a potential coup, but Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro of Lille have also been earmarked as possible additions.
Man Utd’s Second Branthwaite Bid Rejected
Everton stand firm on their £70m asking price The aforementioned Varane and Lisandro Martinez both spent large chunks of last season on the sidelines through injury, with Casemiro – a midfielder by trade – having to deputise in the heart of the back line on seven different occasions across all competitions.
As such, Manchester United’s interest in the Carlisle-born central defender is no secret. In the lead-up to the summer trading period opening for business, Branthwaite emerged as their number one target.
The Athletic reported that Manchester United’s initial attempt to snare Branthwaite away from Goodison Park this summer – in the form of an the £35 million opening offer – was deemed unacceptable and was, therefore, swiftly rejected.
In an bid to test Everton’s resolve once again again, the 13-time Premier League champions returned to the negotiating table with an offer around the £45 million mark (plus £5 million in add-ons), though it has been snubbed by his Premier League employers. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Luckhurst revealed that Everton’s asking price still remains at north of £70 million.
Everton view the glittering 21-year-old at a similar price point to the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Wesley Fofana and Harry Maguire and are unlikely to drop their valuation until the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
Having played 35 Premier League games for Everton last term, Sean Dyche and Co regard him as a pivotal player, despite him being cut from England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad, making a move for Ten Hag and his entourage all th Erik ten Hag, having secured a contract extension with Manchester United until June 2026, is determined to strengthen the defense after the club’s worst defensive season since 1978/79. With Raphael Varane’s departure, Manchester United has identified several potential additions to their backline, including Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro of Lille.
United’s initial £35 million bid for Branthwaite was rejected by Everton, who value the young defender at around £70 million. A second bid, comprising £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons, was also turned down. Everton remains firm on their valuation, viewing Branthwaite in the same price range as high-profile defenders like Josko Gvardiol, Wesley Fofana, and Harry Maguire.
Branthwaite’s importance to Everton is underscored by his 35 Premier League appearances last season, despite being left out of England’s preliminary Euro 2024 squad. Everton is unlikely to lower their asking price until the end of the transfer window, presenting a challenge for Manchester United as they look to bolster their defensive options.
