According to Sky Sports writer Dharmesh Sheth, Manchester United will not pursue the signing of Jarrad Branthwaite after an initial £40 million deal was rejected.
In 2023/24, Branthwaite excelled in the Premier League, forming a strong central defence pairing with James Tarkowski for the Toffees. The 21-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions and is now being pursued by a number of elite clubs, including United.
Sheth feels that United will not engage in a lengthy bidding battle for the player, and that Everton’s asking price of £70 million is unlikely to be met by INEOS.
Sheth: United Will not Waste Time in Bidding Exchange
The Red Devils don’t want to repeat previous mistakes
Erik ten Hag will look to strengthen his defensive options and find a long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez this summer, since Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof may exit. Branthwaite appears to be at the top of the club’s list of goals, but after failing with a first proposal, Sheth has stated that INEOS wants to learn from the previous ownership’s failures in transfer negotiations and have more control over such operations.
Speaking with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said:
“They aren’t going to be lured into extended sagas during the summer. They’re not going to say, “Okay, here’s a bid; it was rejected.” Here’s another bid, which was rejected. Here’s another bid, which was rejected. They refuse to think that way again because it has previously caused all of their transfer transactions to be delayed.
“They have had one bid rejected. So they’ve already put in a proposal of roughly £40 million, which I believe they knew would be rejected by Everton. Everton wants around £70 million, we understand. However, I do not believe they intend to trade Jarrad Branthwaite, one of Everton’s crown jewels.
It’s unclear if the United administration will stick to this method, but it’s good for fans to hear that lessons are being learnt from prior sagas including Harry Maguire and Antony.
It’s likely United would return for Branthwaite, who had made England’s provisional Euros team. However, due to Everton’s high transfer fee requests, a deal may not be completed this summer.
| Statistical Comparison (Premier League 2023/24) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stat | Branthwaite | Lindelof | Martinez | Evans | Maguire | Varane |
| Appearances | 35 | 19 | 11 | 23 | 22 | 22 |
| Goals | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Tackles Per 90 | 1.91 | 1.01 | 1.67 | 1.42 | 1.3 | 1.18 |
| Interceptions Per 90 | 1.45 | 0.81 | 0.69 | 1.48 | 1.36 | 0.98 |
| Aerial Duels Won Per 90 | 2.72 | 1.15 | 0.56 | 2.32 | 3.75 | 1.37 |
United Eyeing Altneratives to Branthwaite
The likes of Todibo, Yoro and De Ligt have been linked
While Branthwaite may be United’s first-choice central defensive recruit, the club has been connected with a number of other defenders as they attempt to protect themselves in the event that the Carlisle-born man does not join Carrington.
If Lindelof is sold, United are set to sign at least two centre-backs, including Lille’s Leny Yoro and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt. Meanwhile, a transfer for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo may still be on the cards, with INEOS seeking to find a solution to UEFA’s regulation that restricts the deal.
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