Everton Informed of Transfer Value for Potential Jarrad Branthwaite Replacement

Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has expressed his regret over not signing Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite for a low fee when he had the chance. He acknowledges that quality left-footed center-backs command a premium in the transfer market.

Manchester United recently submitted an initial offer of £35 million, plus around £8 million in add-ons for Branthwaite. However, this offer was deemed unacceptable by Everton’s management, who believe their prized 21-year-old asset is worth significantly more. Everton have made it clear that they will not be pressured into selling Branthwaite cheaply, dismissing any notions of a ‘fire sale.’

Given the £80 million fee Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75 million Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana in 2022, and the £77 million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol in 2023, Everton considers their breakthrough star from last season to be in a similar price bracket. They intend to keep Branthwaite and are planning for him to be a key part of the team next season, unless an extraordinary offer comes in.

One potential replacement for Branthwaite that Sean Dyche has been linked with is Hull City’s Jacob Greaves. Steve Bruce, who previously managed Hull City, believes the 23-year-old would not come cheap, as players like him and Branthwaite are rare commodities. Bruce told HullLive: “Can he (Greaves) do better than he’s done this season? If you’re telling me he’s played 50 games, won Player of the Season, been named in the Championship’s Team of the Season, then of course, every player wants to play at the highest level and I’m sure he must be thinking to himself, there’s a big opportunity here for me because there’s not many (left-sided defenders).

“Yes, we keep producing number 10s, wide players, and all the rest of it, but there’s not many out-and-out left-footed center-backs. We saw with England (at full-back against Serbia) – (Kieran) Trippier playing on the left-hand side.

“A natural left-footer to give you the balance of your team is worth its weight in gold. I’m sure there’s going to be interest and I’m sure it’s going to be very difficult for the kid to turn it down because everybody wants to play in the Premier League.

“The kid (Jarrad) Branthwaite, have they turned down £45 million? He was at Carlisle, and I should have taken him – he was on our doorstep at Newcastle, and he was only £1.5 million or £2 million when he went to Everton.

“He’s flourished and he’s now at £45 million all of a sudden? The thing is, he’s been there and done it in the Premier League, whereas the boy Greaves has not. It will probably take a cheque north of £20 million now to even consider it, I would have thought.”