Everton ‘to accept £80m Jarrad Branthwaite bid’ amid Chelsea transfer news
Jarrad Branthwaite could be set to swap Everton and Merseyside for Chelsea and West London.
The Friedkin Group, Angus Kinnear and David Moyes face a busy summer at Everton ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
A host of first-team players are out of contract at the end of the season, including Michael Keane, who is expected to leave Everton.
Therefore, it looks as though a new centre-back might be needed, especially with the future of Branthwaite increasingly uncertain after a recent Chelsea transfer update.
Chelsea could turn to Branthwaite if they miss out on Dean Huijsen
As reported by Kaveh Solhekol [via Sky Sports News, 13 May], Chelsea have Branthwaite on their list of targets at centre-back
The Blues are also interested in Huijsen, but the Bournemouth centre-back looks set to join Real Madrid.
| Premier League 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | 29 | 0 | 1 |
| Dean Huijsen | 30 | 3 | 1 |
As a result, Chelsea could focus their attention on Branthwaite, and ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes the Toffees would accept an offer of £80m for the defender.
“Selling Branthwaite to Chelsea could certainly be lucrative for Everton,” King said.
“Chelsea seem to have a habit of paying over the top for players. However, they still need to get their finances in order. I think Moyes will want his strongest players to remain at the club.
“If Everton sell Moyes’ best players, such as Branthwaite, that won’t make his job any easier. However, money will be the deciding factor here. If an £80million offer comes in for Branthwaite, Everton will accept it, and that is the kind of offer Chelsea could make.”
Everton might have no choice but to sell Branthwaite
Branthwaite is arguably the most important player at Everton.
Moyes would no doubt be keen to build his defence around the 22-year-old next season. However, if an offer of £80m were to arrive, that would be pretty difficult to refuse.
Chelsea have been known to pay big money for players in the past. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Enzo Maresca’s side make such an offer.