Manchester City are targeting Everton’s defensive powerhouse Jarrad Branthwaite this January as per TBR football.
Guardiola’s Man City needs to reverse their poor form at the moment. The team looks uninspired, the manager seems devoid of ideas, and new faces are needed to uplift the club’s mood.
Their defence lapsed late against Manchester United, costing them a 2-1 loss. It is said that Pep Guardiola wants to rejuvenate his defence by roping in talented Everton centre-back Branthwaite.
The 22-year-old joined the Toffees in January 2020 after impressing at Carlisle United. He featured 35 times last season and scored three goals. The young defender also won his first cap for England.
Although he missed a few games this term, he has been solid, helping the team collect four clean sheets in eight games. The men in blue are aware of the fact that the player is a target for elite Premier League clubs. Man United are long-term admirers, while Arsenal and Chelsea are showing interest as well.
🚨 #ManCity could move to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in January
👀 Branthwaite’s contract expires in June 2027 which has put City and other #PL clubs on red alert – Everton value Braithwaite at £80m
(@GraemeBailey /via @TBRFootball) https://t.co/0kz99mdaTx pic.twitter.com/IFYSuy2hQx
— Mitchell (@BluDaBlue) December 18, 2024
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Hence, the Citizens are aiming to secure a move in January in order to jump ahead in the queue. Branthwaite’s contract expires in 2027 and has a mammoth £80 million price tag on his head.
New Everton owners, the Friedkin Group, are trying to convince the Englishman to stay at Goodison Park. But the defender is yet to agree on a new deal. Hence, it will be interesting to see whether the reigning PL champions are ready to splash such a huge fee for their key target.
Man City targeting several played this January
There are various areas of their team that they need to work on, and the upcoming transfer window could have an influence on their future prospects.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s absence has hit their midfield hard. IIkay Gundogan has struggled to hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium.
They need a strong contender in the middle, and several world-class stars are now linked with a move. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is high on their wish list since his contract ends next summer.
Similarly, Man City didn’t fill the void left by Julian Alvarez. They need a strong backup striker to cover for Erling Haaland’s goal drought. They are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain ace Randal Kolo Muani on loan in January.
The champions need multiple reinforcements to change their fortunes in the season’s second half.
