United Turns to Bayern’s De Ligt as Everton Holds Firm on Branthwaite

Manchester United’s hopes to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have been dashed despite agreeing on personal terms with the player. Here’s what both clubs plan to do next.

United is focusing on strengthening their center-back lineup this summer. Raphael Varane has left as a free agent and is close to joining newly-promoted Serie A side Como. Victor Lindelof has attracted serious interest from Turkey, and United is once again looking to sell Harry Maguire.

Due to these changes, United needs at least one new center-back. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was at the top of their list. United quickly agreed on personal terms with the 21-year-old, who was set to earn around £150,000 a week at Old Trafford.

However, the transfer fee became a major hurdle. Everton values Branthwaite at £70 million, while United’s opening bid was only £43 million, including £8 million in add-ons. United made it clear they wouldn’t overpay for Branthwaite, hoping Everton might lower their demands by the June 30 PSR deadline.

That deadline has passed, and according to Football Insider, Branthwaite is staying put this summer. Everton now plans to sell another defender, Michael Keane, instead. There’s also talk of offloading striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had been linked with Newcastle.

With Branthwaite off the table, United is now eyeing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt. The 24-year-old Dutch defender is ready to leave Bayern after seeing his playing time reduced last season. He’s reportedly willing to take a pay cut to make the move happen.

De Ligt has been offered a five-year contract by United, and manager Erik ten Hag, who coached De Ligt at Ajax, has personally reached out to him. Bayern is seeking around €50 million plus add-ons for De Ligt, a price United might be willing to meet now that Branthwaite is unavailable.

PSG and Liverpool have also shown interest in De Ligt, but he has made it clear he only wants to join Manchester United. He has instructed his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to inform other clubs of his decision.