Everton must act fast on Jarrad Branthwaite contract, could waste millions if they don’t secure Goodison Park future
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is rapidly on the upward trajectory so far this season but the Toffees may not stand to benefit should they waste time over his current contract situation.
The 21-year-old has started four of Everton’s opening six matches in the Premier League as well as their win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (27 September), forming a key and impressive partnership with James Tarkowski at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence.
However, his current contract at the club runs until 2025 (Transfermarkt) which may leave the door open for plenty of Europe’s elite to snap him up after previous interest over the summer.
The 20-year-old centre-back enjoyed a sensational spell while on loan at PSV Eindhoven this season, plying his trade under the tutelage of Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy in the Dutch Eredivisie, making 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and also winning the Dutch KNVB Cup.
His performances certainly attracted plenty of interest as a result.
Mail Plus journalist Simon Jones reported on 31 July that, Branthwaite was a “surprise” name that has been floated for a move at Manchester United with Erik ten Hag’s side scouting the Toffees defender, 21, earlier this year while he was on loan at PSV Eindhoven [Daily Mail, 8 February].
Also, the Dutch club attempted to sign the 21-year-old permanently before he came back to Goodison Park, while there was interest from Liverpool in January.
Such is Branthwaite’s extraordinary potential, it won’t be a surprise to see those clubs return to the table if his contract is addressed as soon as possible, with Dyche remaining tight-lipped on the situation (Liverpool Echo, 28 September).
Speaking on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast on Wednesday (27 September), Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards 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 year or so but that could prove a damaging loss.
With his contract potentially on a year to run next summer, clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United who will be looking to address their centre-back problems could snap him up for next to nothing.
It could mean the club will waste millions on such a huge and crucial prized asset at Goodison Park.
The uncertain financial situation currently at Goodison Park means it is very unlikely that many new contracts will be signed until the potential takeover by 777 Partners is completed, as Farhad Moshiri is unlikely to invest any more money into a club he’s looking to sell.
But as soon as it is possible, Dyche and transfer chief Kevin Thelwell must look to secure the long-term future of Branthwaite as soon as possible.
For such a young defender, he has impressed every time he has stepped foot on the pitch for the Toffees and could be crucial to their future success. It’s an easy decision, Everton must ensure they avoid a very difficult and costly loss.
In other Everton news, Kelechi Iheanacho has spoken out for the first time having been targeted by the Toffees this summer