In a recent report, The Daily Mail mentioned that Manchester United have launched their second bid to sign Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite. It has been stated that the Red Devils are eyeing a move to secure the services of the English defender this summer.
Branthwaite’s Impressive Run Of Form In The Premier League
Branthwaite had a solid campaign at the Merseyside club as he put in a string of solid displays for them when defending inside his half. The 22-year-old centre-back found the back of the net three times in 41 matches for the Toffees last season in multiple competitions.
The Carlisle-born talent was a rock at the back based on his average of 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 4.5 clearances per game in the Premier League. However, he has lacked quality when distributing the ball from the back after making 80.1% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Branthwaite has proven his worth as a capable defender in the Premier League. His current contract at Goodison Park will expire in the summer of 2027. Hence, the Toffees will be under no pressure to cash in on him unless they receive a favourable fee for his services in this transfer period.
Can Everton Head Coach Sean Dyche Afford To Lose Branthwaite?
Branthwaite is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and can use his strong 1.95m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air.
The English talent can even play his way out from the back. He already knows the Premier League well and is still amongst the first names in Everton head coach Sean Dyche’s teamsheet. Therefore, the Toffees cannot afford to lose Branthwaite in this summer transfer window.
However, Dyche might struggle to keep Branthwaite at the Merseyside club if he receives a massive fee for his services this off-season. Another option for the Toffees would be to cash in on the English keeper and use the generated from his potential sale to strengthen other areas of their match-day squad before the end of this transfer period.
