Branthwaite has turned heads this past Premier League season, even though he plays for a lesser-rated Premier League team, Everton. Despite being against all odds with a low-scoring side, he has stood out as a promising young defender who was even considered for the Euro 2024 England squad this summer in Germany.
Therefore, it is no wonder some of the ‘Big Five’ Premier League clubs are now after the younger players who will only continue to develop and grow within the game. Will he choose to go to Manchester United, stay at Everton for next season, or even find another side to help him develop as a well-rounded member of the back line?
Branthwaite Transfer in Limbo
Everton reportedly turned down a huge offer from Man United for one of their best players, Jarred Branthwaite, last month to get more money for the talented defender. Everton recently valued their player worth more than $40 million, with more than the same number in add-ons — a number that United struggled to meet for their initial bidding.
Branthwaite took the field 35 times for Everton this past season and even made the initial squad for England in their upcoming tournament this summer, being cut last minute by Southgate — a decision that many found to be shocking and a poor last-minute choice by the manager.
Now, many Premier League teams are showing interest in the defender before the summer transfer window closes. Manchester United wants to sign Branthwaite, as they had a terrible prior season with defender woes, even having to put Casemiro in the back line to account for the injuries they had with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Varane leaving at the end of the season.
Not only did Branthwaite take the field 35 times for Everton in the 2023-2024 season during the Premier League, but he also played three EFL Cup matches. He has shown his longevity and consistency, even at a young age, proving that he can be a crucial member of the squad for the entirety of the season. This is a huge jump from last year when he took the field just six times for his team.
Branthwaite began his youth career at Carlisle United and progressed into the senior squad, earning nine appearances for the team in the 2019-2020 season. Then, he was spotted by Everton as a promising young talent and signed for the PLUS side in 2020, going out on loan to Blackburn Rovers and PSV to gain crucial experience and get more minutes on the pitch.
Manchester United Looking Forward
If Manchester United can’t sign Branthwaite, they will have some more searching to do in terms of defenders. Currently, they have Andre Onana as a goalkeeper who likes to get the ball at his feet to help the back line play out of pressure, Martinez as a fullback, Amass as a young defender who needs to get some more minutes on the pitch, and Luke Shaw who is a talented, although injury-prone back line member who is currently a member of the England squad.
Other defenders, like Dalot, Evans, and Maguire will have to find form if they can hope to break into the starting lineup and perform better than they did last year. Branthwaite can bring some much-needed youth to an aging backline that will see players like Lindelof, Maguire, and Shaw eventually retire in the upcoming years.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
