Jarrad Branthwaite could bid farewell to Everton fans v Arsenal after £55m transfer development
Everton round off their Premier League season on Sunday with a trip to Arsenal, with the game potentially having huge bearing on where the trophy will be lifted come 6pm.
The contest could also be a final bow in blue for one or two of several of the club’s prized assets, including Jarrad Branthwaite – who has been the subject of heavy interest from Manchester United as they reportedly prepare a £55million bid.
Everton are currently uncertain on whether or not valuable key players will have to be sold this summer, with the ownership saga that is currently plaguing the club continuing to roll on.
Jordan Pickford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Amadou Onana are also among those who may have to be sold to help balance the books at Goodison Park.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s breakthrough season at Everton
With 34 league starts this season, 12 clean sheets and over five balls recovered per game [Sofascore], Branthwaite has been the rock at the back that Everton have needed to avoid the drop.
It’s little wonder he is attracting high-profile interest, but Sean Dyche will be resolutely keen to keep hold of the centre-half.
In less than four years, Branthwaite has progressed from a £1m defender from League Two Carlisle United to receiving an England call-up, whilst a near-ever-present in the Premier League.
Still just 21, he plays with an assured confidence beyond his years and acts as an excellent springboard for Everton in transition with his ability to recover possession and begin attacks from deep.
With a number of top clubs adopting this importance into their style of play, it’s hard to look beyond Branthwaite fitting seamlessly into one of these teams in the future should he decide to depart Goodison Park.
The grass may not, however, be greener – Branthwaite will need to remain grounded and make the best choice for this current stage of his career, which might even be to develop as a Blue.
Either way, the way he acts towards the travelling supporters at full-time on Sunday (19 May) could be pretty telling.
In other Everton news, Brentford have made an announcement on Neal Maupay.
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