Everton: ‘Massive’ Jarrad Branthwaite prediction made amid Arsenal, Real Madrid transfer talk
Phil Jagielka says Jarrod Branthwaite has “massive” potential as he made comparisons with former Everton colleague John Stones.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday (13 February) that Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all made enquires regarding Branthwaite.
Everton know they have a real gem on their hands, with plenty of similarities to the Stones situation that eventually led to him joining Manchester City.
Speaking on talkSPORT [13 February, 4:58pm] amid that speculation, Jagielka said: “We always knew John was going to be a footballing centre-half.
“Branthwaite is good on the ball, but he’s a bit more commanding. He’s in a good place, as John was.
“He’s in a team that suits him, playing every week and developing as a defender. That will give him a platform, which will hopefully be at Everton, but if not the potential there is massive.”
Branthwaite could have Real Madrid decision to make
Everton supporters have been here before. In the Stones case, the club landed £47.5million from City in 2016 [BBC Sport], making him the second-most expensive defender in the world at that point.
The Toffees will not want to lose Branthwaite any time soon and the youngster only recently agreed a new long-term contract, so the signs are positive.
Everton are not currently in desperate need for money, although that could change depending on the 777 Partners takeover situation, so again that is another positive.
As we know only too well, sometimes the intense transfer talk can really get to players. If Madrid are serious with their interest, for example, Branthwaite will understandably get a little excited.
All we can hope for is that Branthwaite has at least another couple of years at the club and continues his development.
Gone are the days of one club men, but getting multiple years out of a player before offloading for a huge sum is pretty much the ideal scenario.
In other Everton news, Andy Gray hit back after something co-host Richard Keys said live on air.
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