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Manchester United’s hopes of signing Jarrad Branthwaite have taken a significant hit following the latest developments from Everton.
The 23-year-old, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest young centre-backs, has penned a new five-year deal with the Toffees, as they have confirmed, effectively ending any chance of a summer switch to Old Trafford.
Man United interest rebuffed
United were keen on landing Branthwaite last year, even tabling a £45 million bid for his services.
However, Everton stood firm, unwilling to part with their prized asset for anything less than £70 million.
While United eventually secured Matthijs de Ligt, it was believed Branthwaite was still on their radar.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly a huge admirer of the England international, and with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf departing (and Lisandro Martínez’s fitness still a concern), a new centre-back was not out of the question.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ‘regardless of who the manager is’ #mufc pic.twitter.com/huW3sHACJG
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) May 30, 2024
Everton tie him down
Any hopes of rekindling that interest have now been dashed. Branthwaite has committed his future to Everton until 2030, extending his previous deal, which was due to expire in 2027.
Reacting to the new contract, Branthwaite said via Evertonfc.com:
“I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.
“The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.”
He also spoke of his affection for the fans and his desire to be part of what David Moyes is building at the club.
A transfer now harder than ever
If Branthwaite had any intention of leaving, stalling on a new deal might have given suitors hope of a more modest fee as his contract neared its end.
Instead, Everton now hold all the cards and could easily demand upwards of £80 million.
With INEOS prioritising attacking reinforcements, this may have been a necessary miss. Still, United’s defence remains capable on paper. The big defensive concern lies between the sticks.
Unless United’s goalkeeping department steps up, the ripple effect could continue to undermine the backline.
Defensive lapses often stem from uncertainty behind them (that was all too clear with Andre Onana last season), and that is a virus United cannot afford to let continue spreading.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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