14 Jun 2024 12:44:41
Ahmad,
I agree with you on Branthwaite. Admittedly I have watched him for 90 minutes perhaps 8 times. Each time I've seen him dribbled past too easily, go to ground easily, and be at fault for goals.
I can only base my opinion on what I know, and I wouldn't touch him. However, people whose opinions I respect tell me they really like him and he's going to have a great career. I hope that is the case as he seems to have his head screwed on and is well liked by Everton fans.
Time will tell. Let's hope this is one of the few transfers we get right if we pull it off.
14 Jun 2024 19:46:43
I really like him and hope we can wrap this one up quickly. Having another left footed defender is also good.
Eth likes the balance of a left and right footed cb he has referred to it dozens of times and why he played Shaw there ahead of career cbs on many an occasion.
Martinez has been available less than varane for the last 2 years so it makes sense to have another leftie in the squad. Martinez is very 2 footed I'm not sure about JB.
Our right footed options as it stands are crap so let's hope JB is one of 2 cbs coming in.
15 Jun 2024 08:19:26
Ken, Branthwaite is very two footed and played RCB for PSV under RvN while on loan there. He also demonstrated his passing ability while in the Eredivisie far more than he gets to show it playing for Dyche's Everton.
I think people forget he's 21 and has only had one full season in the EPL. We aren't buying the finished article, and he will improve and develop. The few Toffees I know rate him as being much better than Stones was at the same age.
I think he'd be a great signing, especially as he can play RCB, LCB and even LB. Given our injuries in defence this season and our limited budget to bring in the sheer number of players we ideally need to this summer; signing young, homegrown, EPL proven players with a high ceiling and the ability to cover several positions just screams sensible transfer.
Get it done.
15 Jun 2024 16:54:01
I think we are trying Shappy. But we are not paying $70m plus for the guy. That is silly money for a player who is not yet established. Some reports saying Everton think he is worth more than McGuire was. Madness.
16 Jun 2024 13:12:21
Dodgy, I agree we shouldn't be paying silly money. Lots of posturing going on right now. I'd expect common sense to prevail with United paying 35-40m upfront with a further 15-20m depending on performances or certain criteria.
That way Everton save face with a bigger fee, yet United only end up paying the full 55-60m if he is a success and United are successful. In which case I don't think anyone would complain.