The likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand were global names when they played for England.
Branthwaite can be the same.
We're talking about keeping him another season. Only. But why only one more season?
Many disagree but if said he is not for sale at ANY price and then sold Onana most people would prefer that.
If then, we used those incoming funds and made a bid for Wharton (yes im repeating myself) would that not encourage Branthwaite to stay, and stay longer?
Pickford--Branthwaite--Wharton will be the starting spine of the England team for the next few years. Why can they not be 3 of our starting spine?
The ONLY way to compete at the top is to build a team to compete at the top. You do not do that selling your best young players.
To rebuild we need to sign MORE young players. Look at United, all you hear about them is Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund.
We have to target either the Wharton's or the Chermiti's and grow -- but around those players and Branthwaite.
The takeover means bidders will see a totally different set of accounts if we sell Branthwaite. A major asset being sold during a takeover is not normal.
If the takeover goes through soon and the new owners have money to put into the squad then perhaps we can hold onto Branthwaite?
Selling him certainly doesnt give me confidence in new ownership.