Manchester City Are Looking to Secure £75m Everton Defender | OneFootball

Jarrad Branthwaite: Manchester City’s Plans for a New Defensive Superstar

Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as they aim to secure a replacement for John Stones. After a stellar 2023-24 season with Everton, the 22-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders in the Premier League. Branthwaite’s ball-playing abilities and versatility make him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactical demands, but the battle for his signature is heating up, with Manchester United and Liverpool also interested.

Branthwaite’s Rise to Prominence

Branthwaite’s performances for Everton last season helped him establish himself as one of the top centre-backs in the Premier League. In 35 appearances, the defender showcased his ability to read the game and pass the ball out from the back—skills that are crucial in Guardiola’s system. After being tipped to leave Goodison Park in the summer of 2023, Branthwaite’s value only increased, and now, as we approach the next transfer window, his future remains uncertain.

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According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have had “long-standing interest” in Branthwaite, dating back to when Sir Jim Ratcliffe began his involvement with the club. United even made two bids for the young defender, with the second bid reaching £50 million, but Everton rejected both. With United no longer in direct contact with Branthwaite, the door has opened for City and Liverpool to increase their efforts to secure his services.

Manchester City’s Interest and Stones’ Future

Manchester City are reportedly keen to bring Branthwaite to the Etihad as a potential successor for John Stones. Stones has been an integral part of Guardiola’s squad for several seasons, helping City win six Premier League titles. However, his injury struggles this season have raised questions about his long-term future at the club, with his contract set to expire in 2026. Man City News reports that the Citizens have “identified” Branthwaite as the perfect fit to replace Stones in the defensive line.

Photo: IMAGO

Branthwaite’s ability to play in a back three and his ball-playing qualities make him a natural fit for City’s style of play. Scouts at the club are particularly impressed with his capacity to distribute the ball efficiently from defence, an essential trait in Guardiola’s system. However, with Everton setting a price tag of £75 million for Branthwaite, City will have to weigh whether the defender is worth such a significant outlay, particularly as they have already brought in centre-backs Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

Competition from United and Liverpool

Although Manchester City are leading the charge for Branthwaite, United are still very much in the mix. As The Daily Mail points out, United are considering offloading Harry Maguire in the summer and replacing him with Branthwaite, who fits their long-term defensive strategy. However, City’s potential to offer Champions League football next season could sway Branthwaite towards a move to the Etihad, where his development could accelerate under Guardiola’s tutelage.

Additionally, Liverpool’s interest in the defender has also added another layer of competition. With Branthwaite eager to play in European competition and cement his place in the England squad, both City and United will need to secure Champions League football to convince him to make the move. However, Branthwaite is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford if United can clinch the Europa League and guarantee him European football.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester City, signing Jarrad Branthwaite would be a strategic move to bolster the team’s defensive options for the future. With Stones’ injury record becoming a growing concern, Branthwaite could offer a fresh, reliable alternative to the current defensive set-up. His ability to pass out from the back and his adaptability in a back three makes him an ideal candidate to thrive under Guardiola’s tactical demands.

City’s scouting network has always been efficient in identifying young talents, and Branthwaite has the potential to grow into a key player for the club. At £75 million, the price tag may seem steep, but given the long-term benefits of securing a young, talented English centre-back, it could prove to be a worthwhile investment.

The competition from United is a real concern, as they are also looking to strengthen their defence. However, with the added allure of playing for City in the Champions League and competing for major domestic and European titles, City should have the upper hand in this battle.

In the end, if Branthwaite does decide to join City, it would represent a smart piece of business that could strengthen their backline for years to come.