Manchester United are big fans of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and a mega-money move to the Premier League giants could be ‘transformational’ for the Cumbrian’s former employers Carlisle.
While Everton boss Sean Dyche deserves credit for throwing Jarrad Branthwaite in at the deep end this season – installing the 21-year-old as one of the first names on his team sheet ahead of the far more experienced Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate – it was Carlisle, in England’s fourth tier at the time, who set the youngster on a path which could lead him all the way to Old Trafford.
Manchester United, with INEOS now pulling the strings these days, are expected to prioritise young, hungry players as part of their new-look, data-driven approach to transfers this summer. Michael Olise of Crystal Palace and the aforementioned Branthwaite – despite his rumoured £100 million price-tag – could be two of the marquee signings of the early Ratcliffe era (i Sport).
And it’s not just Everton who would benefit financially from Branthwaite becoming the third Englishman – after Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – to change hands for a nine-figure sum, even if United will obviously be attempting to barter down a lower fee.
Manchester United like Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite
“If Jarrad continues to develop and goes for the sort of money that the media are speculating about, that would bring a significant amount of money into this club, which would allow it to deliver on the plans that we need to do,” explains Nigel Clibbens, Carlisle’s chief executive (News and Star).
The likes of James Trafford and Dean Henderson both left Carlisle for bigger clubs – the latter joining United back in 2011. Branthwaite, however, would see the Cumbrian outfit due a far, far larger windfall, the then-teenage centre-back playing 14 first-team appearances before joining Everton in four years ago.
“The deals for James Trafford and Dean Henderson, the sell-ons we would get from those weren’t transformational for the club,” Clibbens adds.
“(But) if Jarrad continues to develop and goes for the sort of money that the media are speculating about, that would bring a significant amount of money into this club, which would allow it to deliver on the plans that we need to do,” said Clibbens.
“We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. We don’t need the money to do what (the owners) have talked about. But it will help. And it will give us the platform to catch up and do things we’ve been unable to do for a very long time.”
Ratcliffe driving United changes
Ratcliffe is reportedly keen to make Old Trafford home to some of English football’s most exciting homegrown talents. Branthwaite’s British passport, and his proven track record in the Premier League, could give him the edge over rival centre-half targets such as Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio and Leny Yoro.
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