Report: Aston Villa’s £50m Move Forces Everton into Bold Strategy | OneFootball

Onana’s Move to Aston Villa Seals Branthwaite’s Future at Everton

One move probably affects another then. The summer transfer window has been ablaze with speculation, but one move stands out for its ripple effects throughout the Premier League. Amadou Onana’s imminent transfer to Aston Villa for a staggering £50 million not only boosts Villa’s midfield but also significantly impacts Everton’s transfer strategy, particularly concerning their young centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite.

Everton’s Financial Windfall

Everton’s decision to offload Onana has a twofold benefit. Firstly, it brings in a substantial influx of cash, reinforcing their financial position. Secondly, it allows Everton to adopt a more robust stance in the transfer market, particularly regarding their prized defender, Branthwaite. With the funds from Onana’s transfer, Everton is no longer under pressure to sell Branthwaite, despite significant interest from major clubs like Manchester United.

Branthwaite’s Impressive Statistics

Jarrad Branthwaite’s rise has been meteoric. At just 22 years old, he has already established himself as one of the top young centre-backs in Europe. According to recent statistics, Branthwaite has a defensive duel win percentage of 76%, placing him among the elite defenders in Europe’s top five leagues. This impressive stat underscores why Everton values him so highly and why they have been steadfast in rejecting offers for him.

Picture:IMAGO

Rejected Offers from Manchester United

Manchester United, keen to bolster their defensive lineup, have had their sights set on Branthwaite. The Red Devils have already tabled two substantial bids, the latest being £45 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons. However, these offers have been swiftly turned down by Everton. The Toffees are holding out for a valuation that mirrors the transfer fees seen in recent years for top-tier central defenders such as Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana, and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom were sold for over £75 million.

United’s Alternative Targets

With Everton’s resolute stance on Branthwaite, Manchester United has had to explore other options. One such alternative is Matthijs de Ligt, who, despite his high profile, is being considered at a lower fee than Branthwaite’s valuation. This pivot in United’s strategy highlights the financial and tactical constraints clubs face during the transfer window. The interest in De Ligt indicates United’s desperation to strengthen their defense without breaking the bank.

Bar A Massive Bid…

Amadou Onana’s move to Aston Villa is a pivotal moment for Everton. The financial boost from this transfer means Everton can maintain their high valuation for Jarrad Branthwaite, effectively ending Manchester United’s pursuit. This situation exemplifies the strategic maneuvers and financial calculations that define modern football transfers. As the window progresses, it will be intriguing to see how United and other interested clubs navigate these challenges in their quest for defensive reinforcements. It’s not impossible but due to the fact United sailed close to FFP and Zirkzee is on his way, it feels like this one is done.