“Everton’s DESPERATE £30M Plan to Replace Jarrad Branthwaite CRUSHED in SHOCKING Last-Minute Twist!”
Everton Begin Preparations for Summer Transfer Window
The Friedkin Group plans to provide David Moyes with a significant transfer budget this summer, aiming to guide Everton back into European competition.
The American investors have ambitious plans for the club and are currently restructuring the recruitment setup.
Angus Kinnear, who is set to become CEO, may bring in Leeds United’s Nicky Hammond, impressed by his work at Elland Road.
Kinnear is also interested in Leeds scout Gary Penrice, known for unearthing talent in the Championship.
While those behind-the-scenes changes take shape, Moyes is actively searching for a potential replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite. However, one key target may now be out of reach.
Everton had been eyeing Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve as a successor to Branthwaite, who is heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
The Merseyside club reportedly values Branthwaite at £70 million and could sanction his sale this summer.
Moyes recently scouted Esteve, and the French defender had emerged as a leading target. However, any move now appears unlikely.
Burnley’s recent win over Bristol City places them in a strong position for automatic promotion, currently level on points at the top with a wide margin over third-placed Sheffield United.
Given Burnley’s likely return to the Premier League and the financial boost that comes with promotion, the club is unlikely to let go of a key player like Esteve.
As a result, Everton may shift focus to another target—AJ Auxerre defender Clement Akpa.
The young centre-back has had a breakout season in Ligue 1 and has caught the attention of several European clubs.
In addition to Everton, Premier League side Wolves and Bundesliga outfits Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim, and Stuttgart are all monitoring Akpa.
The 21-year-old, who plays on the left side of central defense, shares a similar profile to Branthwaite.
Landing Akpa won’t be straightforward, as Everton face stiff competition.
Nevertheless, with Moyes at the helm and financial backing from the Friedkin Group, the club will be aggressive in the market as they reshape for European push.
