Carlisle United’s Chief Executive, Nigel Clibbens, has told News & Star how they would use the money from a potential Jarrad Branthwaite deal this summer.
The former Carlisle United defender is currently with England’s training squad ahead of the Euros this summer. The 21-year-old will be hoping to cap off the solid season he’s had with Everton by representing his nation in his first major tournament.
Not only has Branthwaite caught the eye of Gareth Southgate, but Manchester United are also interested in signing the centre-back this summer, according to The Mirror.
Despite Everton’s financial issues, they aren’t expected to let Branthwaite leave on the cheap. If Everton can get a big fee for him, Carlisle United are set to benefit greatly due to a sell-on clause included when they sold Branthwaite to Everton.
How would the money be spent by Carlisle?
When asked about Branthwaite and a summer move, Chief Executive Clibbens said:
“The vision to that [using potential Branthwaite proceeds] would be what has already been applied to everything else, ie invest in capital items that can be a benefit to the football club for the longer term.
“At the same time, invest in the team to make the team better.
“It’s going to open up much more opportunities for us to do more things around the ground. Then it’s going to elevate our position to do more things with the football, with the academy.
“It opens up so many other opportunities for the next five to ten years.”
How did the club fair last season?
Carlisle United hoped to make the most of their return to the third tier after winning the League Two play-offs in the 2022-23 season. However, they finished this season rock bottom of League One, 16 points off safety, and will be returning to League Two next season.
They struggled throughout the season, winning just seven games, drawing nine games and losing 30. In doing so, they conceded 81 goals and scored just 41.
What was the reported sell-on clause?
According to the Sunday Mirror, the League Two side have a 10% sell-on clause inserted into Branthwaite’s contract, meaning they are in line for a significant seven-figure payment if/when the defender is sold by Everton.
With Carlisle United also under new ownership, if a deal was to occur this summer the club would face a significant boost in their pursuit of making an immediate return to League One.