EXCLUSIVE: Branthwaite moves closer to Man Utd as Everton find replacement

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 22 May 2024 22:35 BST
6 min read

Jarrad Branthwaite, Man Utd, Everton, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United’s path to signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is becoming increasingly clear, with the Toffees having identified a potential replacement for the 21-year-old.

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FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal that Man Utd are still hot on the tail of Branthwaite, with a source indicating that their interest remains “massive”.

The former PSV loanee, who has been called into Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024, will not rock the boat in an attempt to force through a transfer away from Everton. However, if the right offer is made and accepted by the Goodison Park side he would be happy to move to Old Trafford.

Everton, meanwhile, will seek to ensure they have a like-for-like replacement for Branthwaite in the middle of their defence.

Current ETV

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite

D (C)

Everton

ETV Range

€17.6M - €29.3M

Everton target O'Brien as Branthwaite replacement

FootballTransfers understands that the Merseyside outfit are keen on Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien, who was one of the revelations of the Ligue 1 season with the Rhone side.

Signed from Crystal Place last summer for €1 million, the 23-year-old has featured on 31 occasions in all competitions for the Parc OL outfit and is likely to start Saturday’s Coupe de France final against PSG in Lille.

Data analytics experts SciSports illustrate that O’Brien and Branthwaite have played differing roles for their clubs this season, but this is partially down to the expectations placed upon them. A former boxer in his youth, O’Brien could adapt his game to a more physical style of defending.

STATS

Jake O'Brien

D (C)

Lyon

Jake O'Brien

D (C)

Lyon

27

Games
4

Goals
2

Assists

O’Brien vs Branthwaite: Playing style 2023/24

Jake O'Brien

2023/2024 | Ligue 1 (FRA)

Centre back (2483 Minutes played)

Jarrad Branthwaite

2023/2024 | Premier League (ENG)

Centre back (3259 Minutes played)

Under contract until 2027, it is unclear what type of price Lyon might expect for the uncapped Irish centre-back given they have no designs on selling him after a successful campaign in which the club miraculously achieved European football after sitting bottom of the table as recently as December.

If Everton were to strike a deal with Man Utd for Branthwaite, which would likely be in the region of €70 million (£60m), this would easily cover the cost of any further transfer for O’Brien.