Manchester United are set to face Everton this weekend but it wasn’t that long ago they were submitting multiple offers for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Having enjoyed an incredible first full campaign for Everton, Branthwaite quickly became one of the hottest talents at centre-back in European football.
He was also extremely close to joining England at Euro 2024 following his breakout season and the 22-year-old remains one of the very best at his age in his position.
United were hell-bent on signing him but fell way short of Everton’s original £70million valuation, having multiple transfer bids knocked back.
The Reds Devils then signed youngster Leny Yoro and the experienced Matthijs de Ligt instead for a combined fee of just over £90million.
There was a hope from United that they could take advantage of Everton’s PSR money troubles but after some sales and a takeover from the Friedkin Group, the narrative and landscape is far different less than a year on.
“I think the PSR, I don’t know all the stuff but we still have some work to do in the summer. I was aware of it when I came in but I’m hoping we’re beginning to stop thinking about that now,” claimed David Moyes ahead of the clash at Old Trafford.
“We’re beginning to think about moving forward, what we’re going to do. I think we’ve got a bill to pay, hopefully we pay that bill then we’re in the clear.”
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Moyes on Branthwaite’s future
When asked about Branthwaite’s form and his importance, Moyes was quick to hail the former Carlisle United man. “We had some really good centre-backs here [during Moyes’ first stint as Everton manager] and the best teams quite often have the best defence and gives you a chance of winning when you have that.
“Jarrad has done really well. There are moments when he can do better, there are times he still plays like a young centre-back but has an awful lot going for him.
“He’s already been involved in the England squad before I came, he played really well last week and has got a good mentor around him in Tarky [James Tarkowski]. Tarky has been around the league and seen a lot. He has been a good mentor in helping and improving him.
“So, Jarrad is a top player and if people want to buy Jarrad, I’ve said many times – bring a big bag of money.”
Following his sharp rise, he earned praise from all over the football world, even earning some brief transfer links with Real Madrid.
Ian Wright described him as a ‘monster‘ and his tall frame is boosted by a calmness on the ball, strong aerial capabilities and a brilliant reading of the game which has given Everton one of the best defences in the leagues across the past season and a half.
