Everton could be forced to offload big names such as Jarrad Branthwaite amid their takeover situation brewing in the background.
According to finance expert Stefan Borson on Football Insider, Everton might be forced to sell some of their big-name players, including Jarrad Branthwaite. This prospect could boost Manchester United, as the Toffees could even sell the 22-year-old for lower than their initial asking price.
Everton to sell Jarrad Branthwaite?
Everton’s situation with their failed takeovers and finances could add to further tensions behind the scenes. The report suggests that the Toffees could now be forced to sell some of their notable stars, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and 22-year-old defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Sticking with the latter, Branthwaite has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Manchester United strongly linked with a move. The Red Devils saw a couple of bids rejected for the 22-year-old, with Everton declaring he was not for sale.
However, as per finance expert Stefan Borson, they might be forced to change their stance on the defender and might be forced to sell Jarrad Branthwaite in this window. The main reason would be the need to have a healthy cash flow at the club, something Everton are struggling with and walking on a thin rope.
Borson said on Jarrad Branthwaite, “What will be interesting as we progress through August is what happens with Branthwaite and maybe Calvert-Lewin as well. But the more concerned they are about cash as we go past the transfer window, the more potential transfers will start to emerge that will bring in some cash and bridge the period that they are going to have over the autumn and winter.”
“But we don’t know; there is a worst-case scenario for Everton if they can’t find a buyer because they will have some issues in the next few months. It’s difficult to see what the options are other than selling the club or selling players because, based on the way the balance sheet looks and the amount of debt that they have on there, they are limited now.”
“If they suddenly decide to sell Branthwaite for £50 million up front, that would change our perception of their cash-flow position, maybe it could be £60 million or £70 million. But we know this has been a particularly quiet transfer market, so there are not going to be that many buyers with substantial cash to buy even a player like Branthwaite.”
Manchester United boosted by Branthwaite news
If the news that Everton might be forced to sell Jarrad Branthwaite is true, then none other than Manchester United will be boosted by it. The Red Devils had chased the 22-year-old as their priority target in this window but have since gone on to sign Leny Yoro and are also targetting a move for Matthijs de Ligt.
The Red Devils might be open to adding Branthwaite, but not at Everton’s asking price of around £70 million. According to the report, the Toffees could be further forced to sell him lower than their asking rate, which could allow Manchester United to make their move.
