Jarrad Branthwaite exit claim made as Everton set to agree £50m player sale
Everton now look likely to keep hold of Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite once Amadou Onana joins Aston Villa, according to Ian Croll.
The Liverpool Echo journalist posted his thoughts on X on Saturday (July 13) following a report by David Ornstein that Onana is set to join Aston Villa for £50million.
Onana, who joined Everton from Lille in 2022 for £30m, is expected to be a key addition to Unai Emery’s squad as Villa prepare for their maiden Champions League campaign.
The imminent departure comes amid ongoing talk that Branthwaite remains a target for Manchester United [Bryan King, 11 July].
Croll said: “I honestly think this is a great deal for the club but seeing plenty on my timeline saying the opposite.
“£50million for a player who didn’t start in Everton’s three best wins of the season. No brainer for me and strengthens our hand further in keeping hold of Branthwaite.”
Amadou Onana to Aston Villa nearly done
According to The Athletic’s Ornstein, Villa are on the verge of securing a £50m transfer deal with Everton.
The Belgium international is set to leave Goodison Park after making 72 appearances for the club.
Onana’s move to Villa is part of manager Unai Emery’s strategy to strengthen the squad ahead of their Champions League campaign.
The transfer is expected to be finalised soon, with personal terms already agreed upon [The Mirror]. Villa have been active in the transfer market, having already signed Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus and Ross Barkley from Luton Town.
Onana’s arrival will further strengthen Villa’s midfield options as they prepare for the upcoming season. The 22-year-old is said to be enthusiastic about the move and is eager to contribute to Emery’s plans.
Losing Onana is of course a big blow on the face of it, but £50m is a lot of money for a player who was not always a key performer for the Toffees – as harsh as that sounds.
It also means that Manchester United will now have to surely pay in excess of £80m if they are to have any hope of landing Branthwaite, so there is definitely a positive spin to put on this imminent exit.
In other Everton news, the Toffees can now sign a goal machine at a colossal 70 per cent discount.
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