Journalist shares ‘desperate’ admission on Jarrad Branthwaite contract as Everton sale mooted
Luke Edwards believes Everton will be “desperate” to ensure defender Jarrad Branthwaite signs a new contract at the club.
Speaking on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast on Wednesday (27 September), the Telegraph journalist said the 21-year-old has been “impressive” under Sean Dyche.
But he warned that the Toffees’ financial problems could mean that the England U-21 international is a player they “may have to sell’ over the next two or three years.
“I think there’s a real feeling that he could go on to become a top player,” said Edwards. “He’s been very impressive under Sean Dyche.
“Everton will be desperate to tie him down to a new contract because they’ll want to protect his value and, unfortunately, Everton’s financial problems mean he may well be a player they have to sell over the next two or three years.”
Do what it takes
It’s extremely important Everton do whatever it takes in the near future to tie Branthwaite down to a long-term deal at the club.
The defender, who joined the club for £1million from Carlisle United in 2020, has long promised to become a big player for the Toffees.
But he hadn’t been given a proper run in the team until Dyche handed him his opportunity against Wolves last month and he hasn’t lost his place in the lineup since then.
A new deal would ensure that they either keep him on Merseyside for a number of years to come or they secure a substantial transfer fee for him at some point down the line.
The Blues definitely can’t afford to be taking risks on him, though, as the more games he plays in the Premier League, the more chance someone will come knocking before too long.
In other Everton news, a BBC journalist has raved about one Toffees star after his recent performances.