Manchester United have displayed an interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, with a move greatly benefitting his former club Carlisle United, according to journalist Jon Colman of the News & Star.
Branthwaite, who was a member of England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning squad could leave Goodison Park this summer to join fellow Premier League side Manchester United.
Various reports in the national media have linked the 20-year-old with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with manager Erik Ten Haag looking to improve a defence which was chaotic at times last season. Branthwaite is expected to be in and around Everton’s first team next season and the rumours of a move do come as somewhat of a surprise.
One fanbase that will not be complaining if these rumours come to fruition is League One newcomers Carlisle’s. The centre-back was a member of the Cumbrians academy and although making just nine senior appearances as a then 17-year-old, impressed massively.
The youngster would then earn himself a reported six-figure move to Goodison Park, which has been his home for the last three years. Branthwaite has racked up 10 Premier League appearances for the Toffees as well as enjoying loans spells with Blackburn Rovers and Eredivise side PSV Eindhoven.
That loan spell with PSV really allowed the youngster to put his name on the map and after a string of impressive performances at the Philips Stadion, the 20-year-old’s market value has risen rapidly. Those performances also aided his cause for a place in the England Under-21 side, who he would help to European Championship glory earlier this summer. With his value now at his highest, Everton may choose to cash in, however at just 20 years of age, the Cumbrian is one of the brightest, young centre-halves in English football and could be a real asset for the Toffees in the future.
Carlisle United will certainly be hoping for a move this summer and significant cash will come there way if Everton do choose to sell.
How would a move benefit Carlisle?
It is believed that the Cumbrians have a significant sell-on clause in Branthwaite’s contract and with the centre-half valued very highly by Everton, the League One newcomers will receive a considerable amount of cash if he is to move onto pastures new. This will greatly help the League One newcomers, who although have debt to pay to PurePay Limited, will also receive a significant boost to their transfer funds. Additional funds could be the difference between survival and relegation in League One next season and fans will want the move to go through sooner rather than later so that manager Paul Simpson has ample time to make improvements to the squad.
The Blues have been busy this summer, making nine signings so far in the window, most recently Crystal Palace’s Luke Plange, and should be competitive in the third tier this season. That being said their squad and budget is somewhat behind many other clubs in League One, so any extra cash that they can get from the sale of Branthwaite would be of great significance for the future of the club.
Writer’s view
The move to Manchester United does seem somewhat unlikely given that Branthwaite is in the reckoning for a starting spot at Goodison Park this season. However the attraction of Champions League football could be used to lure him in, and that will be something that Carlisle fans will be wanting to see. Although it has not been disclosed for legal reasons the percentage that Carlisle may receive, it is believed to be a significant amount. A move this summer will boost the Blues transfer funds for future seasons and supporters should definitely be excited if a move does go through.
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