Manchester United certainly know how to do a transfer saga. Just ask Frenkie de Jong, maybe even Antony.
Although it is too soon to truly call their attempts to land Jarrad Branthwaite a saga, it certainly has all the billings of one to come. There has been initial interest, player advice from ex-pros, an international tournament surprise in the middle, an early bid made, rejection following, and only two days of the window.
As soon as the summer market was officially opened on Friday, United sent off their first proposal, MEN Sport understands. It was worth around £35million with another £8million in achievable add-ons. Even the total package still fell well short of the £75million price tag that has been put on Branthwaite.
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Unsurprisingly the formal approach was sent back – presumably with a scoff – and now the stand-off continues. United are keen to bring in Branthwaite though, even with the club considering alternatives in the first summer of Ineos transfer control.
The 21-year-old is a priority target but the Red Devils are not coming from a position of strength, even with Ten Hag now confirmed as staying on in charge. Their financial position and lack of movement out of the club – or at least failure to recoup money for those that have gone – makes Branthwaite a tough deal to be completed.
So what do United do? Go back in and hope for a change of stance? Give up on Branthwaite altogether and search elsewhere? Here, MEN writers give their thoughts on the situation.
Steven Railston
Everton value Branthwaite between £70m and £80m and that would be overpaying for a player on the back of one great season but his potential is obvious.
It’s no secret that Everton’s finances are stretched and they’ve been left hamstrung by profit and sustainability rules, which saw the Toffees deducted points last season. That will help United in negotiations for Branthwaite and a bid in the region of £60m might be enough to sign him.
Unsurprisingly, United’s first bid of £35m plus a potential £8m in add-ons was turned down, but submitting a low opening bid is a common negotiating tactic. United should go as high as £60m for Branthwaite but should walk away from the deal if Everton turn down that sort of money.
Tom Coley
United cannot back down just yet on Branthwaite. The two clubs will likely have to meet somewhere in the middle.
£70million feels like it will be far too much for United this summer unless something changes. Branthwaite would be the ideal signing though so walking away this early isn’t in the equation.
They must play the game with this one but also try not to let it drag on too late. Branthwaite will benefit from a pre-season with his possible new teammates but Everton aren’t going to be keen to sell for a cut-price, especially not with their financial problems.
Finding a way to get this over the line will be absolutely vital, and it’s an early test of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-Ineos sporting structure. Without the figures in place that they would have liked at this point there is plenty to ponder, but that cannot be used as an excuse.
Somehow a deal needs to be reached but there isn’t an obvious route to getting there quickly. Handling the Branthwaite case with caution but also purpose will be key. The next bid is vital. Anything under a package of £55million or even more could be laughed out of the room and then United really would be in a sticky situation.
Tom Doyle
The pursuit of Branthwaite is a litmus test of United’s new regime. The club’s hierarchy have identified a player they both want and need: a young, talented, Premier League-proven, newly-capped England international with room to improve, who also happens to play for a club who need to raise funds quickly.
United are trying to sign Branthwaite for all the right reasons, but it is equally important that they don’t sign him whatever the cost. That would send a message to other clubs that United can still be taken for a ride when it comes to transfer fees: ending that reputation is as important as any signing they will make this summer.
Branthwaite’s 2023/24 Premier League stats speak for themselves: joint first last season for tackles (66); joint fifth for headed clearances (82) and centre-back goals (3); third for interceptions (50) and fifth for aerial duels won (95), he is already one of the top-flight’s most impressive centre-backs at just 21 years old, and will help fix a problem position.
He will need time to grow and make mistakes, but he is exactly the sort of signing United used to make in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson. United should do a deal for anything under £60m; if Everton demand more than £65m, United should put the ball back in the Blues’ court and walk away to prove they will not be held to ransom.
Jack Flintham
We have been crying out for United to be smarter in transfer windows and to try and get the best value for money. Ratcliffe is attempting that by low-balling Everton and while there is a method to the madness, the Reds need to be wary.
Continuously bidding low and hoping to nab a deal risks alienating the selling club and for another team to swoop in and pip them to the deal. Ratcliffe needs to tread carefully now with his next move as one wrong step and it could end all hopes of bringing Branthwaite to Old Trafford.
In my opinion, Ratcliffe’s next bid needs to be around the £60m mark, maybe a little lower to at least give Everton something to think about. If they reject that, then perhaps it will be time to look at different options.
Everton may be looking to sell this summer but that doesn’t mean to say that they will just accept any old offer for Branthwaite especially when they have other assets.
Kieran Horn
Manchester United are at risk of repeating last summer’s Mason Mount saga after submitting their first official offer for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton’s £70million valuation has been clear for some time and while MEN understands United do not believe he is worth that much, bidding £35million is quite insulting. United have been taken advantage of in recent transfer windows and therefore it is understandable that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ensuring that does not happen again, but he must be careful.
United’s next offer will likely be a sign of their true Branthwaite valuation and though alternatives are out there, he should be the priority signing to bring in the new era at Old Trafford. United need to find the right balance between not being ripped off and getting in new signings as quickly as possible to allow an easy transition process.
Moving on from Branthwaite, at least in my eyes, should not be what United do even if further bids are knocked back and if that means spending £70million then so be it with the 21-year-old worth every penny.
Josh Holland
Manchester United have to make sure they don’t get dragged into an unneccesary sage with Branthwaite. all means, he’s a top tier centre-back and would improve Erik ten Hag’s backline, but FFP constraints and cheaper alternatives mean the £70m+ just isn’t worth it.
It is likely we will see another bid for the defender but if that’s turned down, others have to be considered. The club must remember that other areas of the team require attention and it would be a disaster to leave them targets until later in the window.
In an ideal world, United would sign Branthwaite, no doubt about it. However, Everton aren’t going to budge from their stance and playing hardball is their best bet in getting the finances they want for their star player. Find the right balance and move on to other targets.