Everton could accept ‘big offers’ for O’Brien and Brainthwaite double exit
Everton are set to partake in a hectic summer transfer window, with several players potentially on the move.
Two Premier League games remain for Everton, starting with their final Goodison Park clash with Southampton, but focus will already be elsewhere for the most part.
Recruitment is going to be crucial for Everton this summer, and with several players likely to be of interest, they will have some tough decisions to make.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a move since the winter, and the latest update from Merseyside may spark concern over his future alongside that of one of his teammates.
David Moyes could lose two key-players this summer
Branthwaite’s future is especially uncertain, given the number of European teams said to be chasing his signature ahead of the summer transfer window, though he isn’t the only one.
On 18 May, journalist Alan Nixon claimed that the Toffees could part ways with him and Jake O’Brien “if big offers come in” for the defensive duo.
| Everton | Appearances | Tackles won | Duels won | Pass accuracy |
| Branthwaite | 29 | 20 | 112 | 82.9% |
| O’Brien | 18 | 16 | 65 | 80.0% |
Both players have played an instrumental role in the resurgence of Everton under David Moyes, but that form has attracted interest.
Chelsea are the latest side to have been linked with a move for Branthwaite, showcasing just how difficult it will be for the Toffees to retain the services of their star defender.
Everton must show ambition under TFG this summer
Recruitment at Everton is going to be crucial over the next few months, and keeping their key players comes as part of that.
Losing Branthwaite may serve as a benefit financially, but it would leave a huge hole in their backline, and he certainly wouldn’t be easy or cheap to replace.
If the Toffees want to kick on under Moyes, they need to showcase their ambition, not just in terms of incoming, but outgoings as well, ahead of what promises to be a busy summer period.