Sean Dyche seals behind-the-scenes Everton masterstroke after confirmed Jarrad Branthwaite contract news
Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new contract committing him to the club until June 2027 in a behind-the-scenes masterstroke from Everton and Sean Dyche.
The Toffees confirmed on their official website (6 October) that the academy sensation has penned a four-year deal at Goodison Park with a further option to extend it by a further year should both parties wish to do so.
Everton were certainly growing fearful after the talented 21-year-old had attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City after his form for PSV Eindhoven last year and back on Merseyside so far this season, but his future at Goodison Park is now very much secure.
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 wouldn’t have been a surprise to see those clubs return to the table had his contract situation not been addressed, with Dyche recently remaining tight-lipped on the situation (Liverpool Echo, 28 September).
Also, Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards speaking on Transfer Gossip Daily podcast (27 September) warned that the Toffees’ financial problems could have meant that the England U-21 international was a player the Toffees “may have to sell” over the next year or so which will have proven a damaging loss.
But Everton have certainly moved quickly and astutely to tie him down to a new long-term contract and with reports from The Athletic (6 October) sharing that there is no release clause and it’s actually a five-year deal in reality, Dyche has now only gone and pulled off an absolute masterstroke.
With so much uncertainty at Goodison Park, regarding onfield and off-field matters, the Finch Farm academy graduate could well have been inclined to seek pastures new but such is his character, mentality and maturity, he’s decided to stick it out and potentially become one of the leading figures of this hopeful new Everton era.
The England under-21 international has proven every bit an Everton player with his superb and matured performances alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence so far this season, starting five of Everton’s seven matches whilst recording 2.0 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 9.0 balls recovered, 3.8 clearances, winning 63% of his total duels and excelling tremendously in the air winning 59% of his aerial duels [SofaScore].
Right now, Branthwaite is still learning his trade and coming to grips with the rigours of the Premier League but is certainly taking in those challenges like a duck to water.
It’s been a long while since Everton have possessed a player of such unique and masterful ilk, especially from their academy setup and it was absolutely crucial Dyche and the club bosses quickly moved to secure his future.
An exciting crop of young English defenders are certainly bursting on the scene with real vigour and intention right now and Branthwaite is certainly amongst that prestigious list.
How Everton are incredibly blessed to possess one of them right now. This contract development is huge for the club’s long-term future.
In other Everton news, the club made a move for one Argentinian sensation before he joined a 2022/23 relegation rival last January.