Everton Must Reconsider Selling Jarrad Branthwaite in January
Everton’s decision to reject Manchester United’s £45m bid for Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer may come back to haunt them. The defender’s injury and the team’s poor start to the season have raised questions about their ability to hold onto their prized asset. With Liverpool also showing interest, Everton risks losing Branthwaite if they find themselves in a relegation battle.
Keeping Branthwaite would be a significant success for Everton, but the team has more pressing issues to address. The club’s financial problems and impending contract crisis threaten to destabilize the team. With only 12 senior players contracted beyond this season, Everton desperately needs to tie down more players to new deals.
Selling Branthwaite in January would provide a huge influx of cash to address these issues. His value will only deteriorate the longer they wait, and Everton already has a replacement in Jake O’Brien. Starting a bidding war between Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham could be the best option for Everton.
Branthwaite’s importance to Everton cannot be overstated. He is one of the team’s most valuable assets, and his departure would weaken their defense. However, the club’s financial situation and contract crisis make it difficult to justify keeping him.
Everton’s financial problems are well-documented. The club faced two points deductions last season for breaching financial regulations and continues to struggle with debt. Selling Branthwaite would provide a much-needed injection of cash to address these issues.
The contract crisis is another pressing concern. With so many players out of contract at the end of the season, Everton risks losing key players for free. Tying down more players to new deals would provide stability and security for the team.
In conclusion, while keeping Branthwaite would be a success for Everton, the club’s financial problems and contract crisis make it difficult to justify. Selling him in January would provide a huge influx of cash to address these issues and allow the team to rebuild for the future.