Jarrad Branthwaite to Man City: January transfer plan revealed
Jarrad Branthwaite is on the transfer radar of Man City as they look to deal with a defensive crisis, The Telegraph have reported.
The Premier League champions are currently on a poor run of form with just one win in ten games almost unbelievably putting pressure on manager Pep Guardiola.
He has not been helped by the situation at the back, with a number of the key players in his defence producing below-par performances this season. Availability issues are also a major problem with mounting injuries for John Stones and Nathan Ake an “increasing worry”.
With Rico Lewis banned and Stones, Ake and Manuel Akanji all injured, Man City have just Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol available to face Man United on Sunday (15 December).
Defensive reinforcements will therefore surely be on the agenda at the Etihad once the transfer window reopens, with Branthwaite now identified as one potential option to target here.
The 22-year-old has around two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with current club Everton, securing his future with the Toffees until the summer of 2027.
Pep Guardiola needs answers in defence for Man City
Football Insider Opinion
A move to sign Branthwaite would look to be a very sensible one for the reigning Premier League champions to make.
Having given away so many poor goals recently, while also struggling with injuries in that position, it seems obvious they will need to sign defenders sooner rather than later.
Branthwaite would seem to be a very good option for Man City to fill that role, given he is already proven in the Premier League, but can still be a long-term asset considering his age right now.
It is worth noting that Everton have taken eight points from the five Premier League games he has started this season, compared with just six in the nine matches in which he has not.
Those numbers highlight the influence he has for Sean Dyche’s side and with the problems they have had at the back recently, it could be just what Guardiola’s side need as well, although the Toffees won’t part with him easily.
Of course, Man United are also said to be keen to reignite their own interest in Branthwaite from the summer, and beating their rivals to him would be welcome for Man City as well.
Perhaps the only concern about this potential move for those at the Etihad, will be if they can prevent a recurrence of the fitness issues he has endured at Everton, given their own recent problems in that area.
Additionally, with The Friedkin Group’s takeover at Goodison Park now imminent it might be about to get much harder to prize players away from the club.
In other news, Man City are stepping up their plans to sign a Newcastle United player next year.
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