Manchester City have been linked with a move for Jarrad Branthwaite – and the Everton star has already been compared to John Stones.
It has been reported yesterday that City are among the clubs to be keeping an eye on the 21-year-old.
Branthwaite has impressed in a struggled Toffees side.
Branthwaite spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, but returned to Goodison Park in the summer.
So far this term, he has made five Premier League appearances, playing 90 minutes in all of those.
City apparently like Branthwaite, which is interesting because he’s a player who has already been likened to John Stones…
Manchester City could land their next John Stones in Jarrad Branthwaite
Back in 2016, City landed Stones from Everton in a deal worth £50 million in total.
After struggling initially at the Etihad, Stones is now one of the very best players the club have.
He’s been unable to feature this season through injury.
But the 29-year-old is a world-class player, capable of playing centre-back, right-back and in midfield.
And it looks as though Everton could be producing another player in the Stones mould in Branthwaite.
The Liverpool Echo say there is a feel of the City defender about him.
And earlier this year, Branthwaite actually complimented Stones.
He said after watching his incredible performance in the Champions League final against Inter: “I watched him in the Champions League final, even though he plays midfield sometimes, his ability on the ball is unbelievable. For a modern centre-back, that’s what you look for.”
Branthwaite one to watch
Branthwaite is definitely a player to keep an eye out for in the coming years.
City have had great success with the signing of Stones, who returned to City training this morning.
And the club would surely be very open to signing someone who isn’t so dissimilar to him in the future.
Indeed, The Athletic report that Branthwaite ‘is comfortable stepping up into midfield to win the ball or covering out wide when needed’. That potentially makes him a really good fit.
His ‘comfort in possession’ is also a top trait.
