Daniel Levy to greenlight £50m transfer offer for Tottenham target
Tottenham Hotspur Eye Everton Star Jarrad Branthwaite in Bid to Bolster Defence
Tottenham Hotspur have identified Everton’s highly-rated centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as a primary target as the North London club steps up its search for defensive reinforcements this summer.
After a turbulent season plagued by injuries at the back, Spurs are determined to rebuild their defensive line ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The club’s form took a significant hit during the second half of the season, largely due to the absence of key players in central defence.
Romanian international Radu Drăgușin suffered a long-term injury in February shortly after joining, while Dutch defender Micky van de Ven, who impressed in the early stages of the season, was limited to sporadic appearances after suffering two separate injuries during the winter period. Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero also missed a substantial portion of the season through injury, and his future at the club remains uncertain amid serious interest from La Liga giants Atlético Madrid.
Tottenham had attempted to address their defensive crisis in the winter transfer window, submitting a hefty £70 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, which was ultimately turned down. Although the club has since secured the signing of Austria international Kevin Danso on a permanent deal, there is still a strong desire within the Spurs hierarchy to add another top-level central defender to Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
This time, the focus has shifted to Branthwaite – a 22-year-old who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent young defenders during his time at Goodison Park. With his combination of composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and physical strength, Branthwaite has become a cornerstone in Everton’s backline and is now attracting widespread attention across the league.
Despite a cooling-off period following a rollercoaster season and the unexpected decision to part ways with manager Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is now reportedly prepared to ramp up transfer activity. According to the Daily Mail, Levy is seriously considering launching a £50 million bid for Branthwaite as Spurs look to reshape their squad under new leadership.
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King, speaking to Tottenham News, believes the opening offer will be around the £50 million mark, though he doubts Everton will accept that figure.
“Knowing Daniel Levy, I expect the initial bid to be £50 million,” King said. “But I just don’t see him going as high as £80 million. Tottenham already overpaid when they signed Richarlison from Everton, and I don’t think they’ll want to repeat that mistake.”
King added, “That being said, Branthwaite would be a far more sensible signing than Richarlison in my opinion. He has the potential to become a long-term fixture in Spurs’ defence. But I still think Everton will reject that opening bid.”
The Merseyside club are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £75–80 million, especially given Branthwaite’s rising profile and his recent call-up to the England national team setup. Everton are also under no pressure to sell, further strengthening their negotiating position.
From Tottenham’s perspective, Branthwaite fits the exact profile they are seeking. While Romero excels in distributing the ball and Van de Ven brings lightning pace and athleticism, Branthwaite offers the best of both worlds. He’s a confident ball-playing centre-half with the strength and positioning to hold his own in duels and transition play effectively from defence to attack.
Throughout the last two seasons, Branthwaite has proven himself to be one of the most complete young defenders in England. His statistics back up the eye test, showcasing his ability to win aerial battles, recover possession, and start attacking sequences from deep. His calmness under pressure and reading of the game make him a standout talent, and it’s no surprise that Tottenham are prepared to push hard for his signature.
As Tottenham prepare for a new era, securing a player of Branthwaite’s calibre could be a statement of intent. It would not only resolve their immediate issues in defence but also provide long-term stability in a position that has troubled the club for several seasons.
Whether Spurs can convince Everton to part with their defensive gem remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board are ready to spend big again in their quest to rebuild a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League.