Confirmed: Everton defender signs new deal, reacts to recent Merseyside switch
Everton defender Jarrod Branthwaite has signed a new deal at Goodison Park, despite only signing from Carlisle in January.
The young Toffees starlet has put pen-to-paper on a new contract which will see him remain in Merseyside until 2023.
The 18-year-old has been training regularly with the first-team under Carlo Ancelotti at Finch Farm since returning to action after the break.
Branthwaite has given his immediate reaction to the deal after signing and claimed that he is excited to kick on under Ancelotti.
“I’ve come a long way from playing for Carlisle in the first half of the season, and now being here at a massive club like Everton and working under one of the best managers in the world,” he told evertonfc.com.
“I’ve settled in really well so far. I thought it was going to be quite difficult moving away from home but everyone at the Club has helped me feel comfortable.
“Training with the first team has been a great experience. I’m enjoying it. The likes of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman have given me a lot of advice.
“Throughout the training sessions, they give me little tips on where I can improve.”
It has certainly been a rollercoaster year for Branthwaite in his short career. From starting the season at Carlisle in League Two to ending the campaign having signed two deals at Everton, it has been unbelievable.
Branthwaite will now be looking to force his way into the Premier League squad frequently and follow the footsteps of Anthony Gordon who has impressed since the restart.
With Yerry Mina returning to challenge Mason Holgate and Michael Keane, it seems unlikely, but there could be a spot on the bench with his name on it.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have identified three defensive targets for the summer window