Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Everton's takeover poses uncertainty over the future of Jarrad Branthwaite.
Manchester United may have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite after the Friedkin Group completed their takeover.
United launched a transfer offensive to sign the England centre-back during the summer window, offering a package up to £50million after their initial bid - worth £35million plus £8million in add-ons was rejected. However, the Toffees rebuffed the interest from across the North West with Erik ten Hag eventually winning the race for Leny Yoro, while adding Bayern Munich stopper Matthijs de Ligt to his squad as well.
The takeover at Goodison Park ahead of their move to Bramley Moore ends Farhad Moshiri's tenure at the helm. News on Thursday morning comes after a year of toil for Everton where they were close to being acquired by 777 Partners, who were granted exclusivity initially but failed to meet the takeover deadline following months of uncertainty.
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With Everton's financial struggles and two Premier League sanctions after being found in breach of their Profit and Sustainability Regulations, which amounted an eight-point deduction in the table further heightening their risk of relegation. During the summer, there was a further threat which led to the prospect of a firesale at Goodison Park in order to recoup the losses that would mean they didn't fall below the red line again.
However, Everton's power at the negotiation table was strengthened when Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey departed for West Brom and Atalanta, respectively.
Marc Watts has been installed as the management of the club, speaking after the confirmation of the takeover, he said: "Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch.
"Providing immediate financial stability to the club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey."
The talk of providing financial stability may see the Toffees welcome investment into the club, although with the parameters set by the league's version of Financial Fair Play, it may still permit them from making signings in the upcoming January transfer window.
The takeover now provides Everton with a sense of clarity for the future following unprecedented few years of turbulence. Branthwaite may still be on United's radar but following change of their own with the arrival of Ruben Amorim, there may be fresh ideas and targets on the table.
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