Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite exit talk raised amid Chelsea transfer speculation
Everton cannot be certain or keeping hold of Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of moving to their new stadium, according to journalist Joe Thomas.
Branthwaite has been in superb form this season, leading to suggestions he could be on the radar of numerous other Premier League clubs, with Chelsea the latest to be linked [HITC].
The young centre-back’s stock has risen further following news on Thursday (14 March) that he is part of England’s latest squad.
Keeping hold of Branthwaite will of course be the aim for Everton, but the club’s finances may not allow that to happen.
Writing for the Liverpool Echo [14 March], Thomas said: “Branthwaite is now courted by a host of clubs but whatever happens next, Everton will benefit.
“The dream would be that he leads the club to safety this season, that a stronger team can be built around him and that he will be a central figure as the team walks out at its new home in 16 months.
“Financial necessity – or the sheer allure and power of some of football’s current elite – may deprive Everton fans of that.
“But should that happen he would command a fee that would go a long way to strengthening the club off the pitch in a similar fashion to the way he has improved it on the pitch.”
Jarrad Branthwaite earns England recognition with call-up
Branthwaite signed a contract extension at Goodison Park earlier this season that ties him down to the club until June 2027.
Everton are therefore in no rush to sell their prized asset unless there is some sort of drastic development.
Should the 777 Partners takeover fall through, for example, funds may well have to be found in order to keep funds coming into the club.
Assuming that does not happen, and that Everton remain a Premier League club, there is no reason at all for Branthwaite to move on.
Still aged just 21, the former PSV loanee is playing regularly in the top flight and has now earned England recognition.
Branthwaite is not likely to spend his entire career on Merseyside, but he will hopefully remain a Toffee for at least another few years.
And if a rival team was serious with their interest in the defender, then only a club-record fee would suffice.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has made a “tough” admission while away on the club’s warm-weather training camp.
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