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Manchester United’s CEO Omar Berrada never valued Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite at the same level as Josko Gvardiol, who he previously signed for Manchester City.
The Red Devils made signing a centre back a major priority in the previous window to replace the departing free agent Raphael Varane.
United were eventually able to land two in the shape of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt but publicly chased Branthwaite at the beginning of the summer.
By mid-June they had agreed personal terms with the defender and had two bids rejected by Everton for him, with the Toffees stating they wanted north of £70 million.
ESPN report that “United’s firm stance on price”, something Berrada was insistent upon, “meant walking away from a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite.”
“The club’s price-point analysis had Branthwaite’s value at between £50m and £60m. Everton quoted £75m, citing Josko Gvardiol, another left-footed centre-back of similar age, as their marker.”
The Croatian moved to City in 2023 for £77m but “Berrada saw Branthwaite at a level below when factoring in the England international’s relative lack of experience.”
The 22 year old Croat had already played in the Champions League with Red Bull Leipzig and was seen as one of the “standout young players” in the 2022 World Cup, two things Branthwaite has not done.
Sources told ESPN that Branthwaite would have been signed if Everton had reduced their asking price in the same way Bayern Munich did for De Ligt or Noussair Mazraoui, but as they would not, Leny Yoro was signed shortly after.
Berrada’s policy to walk away from a bad deal is designed to change the culture at the club, which has seen massive overpays on certain players such as Brazilian duo Casemiro and Antony in 2022.
Speaking on the issue the CEO claimed, “we stuck to those valuations. The reason I mention that is if you make a mistake and overspend, or get a player who can cost you too much, it can set you back.”
Branthwaite may certainly still be of interest to United as he remains at Everton and it was recently reported that the club will once again target him in the summer of 2025, despite interest from Real Madrid.
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