Former Manchester United academy midfielder Ethan Galbraith is going from strength to strength in his development.
Two years on from leaving Old Trafford for free, Ethan Galbraith has already established himself as one of the best in the EFL pyramid.
Following his exit from Manchester United, Galbraith proved himself far too good for Leyton Orient and also League One in the process.
Galbraith then starred for Orient last season, earning himself a move up the levels into the Championship for a bargain fee.
Swansea spent £1.5m to sign Galbraith, and already that looks like a massive bargain, dominating the Championship to a point where he looks inevitable to be Premier League-bound.
Now he has passed his toughest test with flying colours.
Ethan Galbraith shines against Nottingham Forest to prove himself Premier League quality
Despite only making the move this past summer, already, Galbraith looks like he is too good for the level, standing out with his utter quality.
Galbraith’s passing has the success rate of Xavi, living up to the comparison Ian Baraclough made years ago.
On Wednesday night, Galbraith started for Swansea as they took on Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, looking completely at home against the Premier League side.
- 95 per cent pass accuracy
- 62 per cent of ground duels won
- 69 touches
- 10 passes into the final third
- 6 ball recoveries
- 2 successful take-ons
- 0 times dispossessed
It was a flawless outing for Galbraith against opposition like United summer target Douglas Luiz in midfield, and one which we are certain several Premier League clubs would have been watching.
Among those, Ineos should be considering that they are in the market for midfielders.
Manchester United should be seriously considering Ethan Galbraith
The summer of 2026 will almost certainly be dominated by Manchester United’s desire for a new central midfielder, but in reality, the club could need three.
Carlos Baleba already looks like United’s top priority; however, with Casemiro and even Manuel Ugarte being linked with a move away, the Red Devils will require a rebuild.
Galbraith could be perfect in this regard, to come in and play a role in the squad, although in a three-man midfield, he could be a starter, depending on what happens with the manager.
However, next summer, Galbraith will cost a big fee if he has a season like he has begun this one, along with exposure to international football.
So the more cost-friendly option might be to give Jim Thwaites the chance to show his quality.
Galbraith is one to watch.
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