Title: Rumours Abound: Branthwaite to United — What We Know
The transfer saga involving Everton’s promising centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Manchester United has dominated football chatter this summer. While no concrete deal has been confirmed, recent reports suggest that stakeholders from both clubs may have reached a verbal understanding, putting a potential sale back on the table. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s going on, what’s true, what’s uncertain, and what it could mean.
What’s Behind the Story
Branthwaite has emerged as one of Everton’s most valuable assets. He joined from Carlisle in 2020, and his performances in the Premier League have gone a long way toward justifying Everton’s high valuation. (ESPN.com) The club has also made it clear that only a fee close to £70 million will be enough to consider moving him. (ESPN.com)
Manchester United, meanwhile, have made multiple offers — first around £35 million plus add‑ons, then later improved offers of approximately £45‑50 million. These bids have fallen short of Everton’s demands. (ESPN.com)
Everton’s financial situation, especially given their obligations under Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), mean that selling players is part of the picture. But the club has insisted that they will only sell Branthwaite if their valuation is met, regardless of off‑field pressures. (ESPN.com)
The “Verbal Agreement” Claim — What Is or Isn’t Fact
- There have been reports of personal terms agreed between Branthwaite and Manchester United. That suggests the player is open to the move and that United are serious about pursuing him. (Football Today)
- However, so far Everton’s valuation has been higher than any formal bid submitted. United’s offers, though improving, are widely believed to still fall short of the number Everton wants. (ESPN.com)
- No solid proof has emerged that the clubs have agreed on the fee. There is no confirmed report that Everton have accepted a bid. The “verbal agreement” in various outlets seems speculative at this stage.
So — “verbal agreement” might refer to an understanding in principle (player terms agreed, United prepared to negotiate), but not yet a full contractually binding agreement or confirmed transfer fee.
Why Everton Are Holding Firm
- Valuation: They believe Branthwaite’s potential puts him in the category of elite centre‑backs. Everton are referencing the fees paid for players like Joško Gvardiol, Wesley Fofana, and others as benchmarks. (The Guardian)
- Financial constraints: Selling players helps with PSR compliance, but Everton also want to maximize return on their star asset. There is a sell‑on clause (about 15%) with Carlisle United, meaning Everton won’t keep the full proceeds. (ESPN.com)
- Maintaining squad strength: Losing a key defender without being able to replace him appropriately could weaken their season prospects. Everton seem aware of the risk.
What Manchester United Need to Do
To get this deal over the line, United may need to:
- Raise their offer substantially to meet Everton’s valuation (or at least come closer).
- Ensure that Everton are convinced that the funds are available and that other financial/PSR pressures won’t force a sale at a discount date.
- Possibly negotiate add‑ons and payment structures that bridge the gap without overcommitting up front.
Potential Outcome(s)
Here are a few possible scenarios:
- Deal is completed: United agree a fee acceptable to Everton (maybe with performance add‑ons), Branthwaite moves to Old Trafford, Everton use the funds to strengthen elsewhere.
- Stalemate: Everton refuse any offer below their valuation. United walk away and target someone else (e.g. Leny Yoro has been mentioned in other reports). Everton keep Branthwaite for the season.
- Compromise later in the window: As time passes, pressure mounts. United might increase their bid; Everton might slightly lower their demands—but still try to extract maximum value.
Conclusion
While there is no confirmed indication that Everton stakeholders have fully agreed to sell Branthwaite yet, the “verbal agreement” phrase may be referring to an understanding between player and buyer, or a readiness to negotiate, rather than a finalized deal. Everton continue to hold out for a fee in the region of £70 million, while Manchester United’s offers have crept up but so far haven’t met that mark.
Until clubs issue official statements, or until a bid is accepted, this remains a live saga — one to watch closely. If you like, I can pull up the latest odds or statements from both clubs to see how likely the deal is now.
