Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 24 May 2026 8:10, UK

Jarrad Branthwaite has had plenty of injury issues at Everton, limiting his game time for the Toffees over the last year.

When fit, the left-footed defender is one of the best around, but David Moyes has not often been able to rely on him. He has made just 10 Premier League appearances this season.

The centre-back partnership of James Tarkowksi and Michael Keane has often been the pairing for this season.

However, that does have plenty of flaws, and it is an area that Everton could improve on.

With worries around Branthwaite’s fitness, it would make sense for Everton to dip into the market for another left-sided centre-back.

Why Jarrad Branthwaite will not fear potential arrival of Diogo Leite

Everton are said to be eyeing a free transfer for Leite, who is out of contract in June 2026. The 27-year-old has spent the last four years at Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

When any new player joins a club, those in the squad who will be competing with them will have some fears over their game time. With Leite being a left-footed centre-back, he would be directly competing with Branthwaite.

In terms of profile, the Portuguese defender is strong in duels, and he actually wins more ground duels (56.8 per cent) than Branthwaite does at Everton (53.8 per cent).

Leite also thrives in a high-volume defensive side, with Leite coming out on top against Branthwaite in multiple categories.

The centre-back completes, per game, 1.9 interceptions and 1.4 tackles, makes 6.4 clearances and completes 0.4 block shots.

However, where Branthwaite comes out hugely on top is his presence in the air. While Leite is strong aerially with a 56.3 per cent success rate, the Englishman’s 78.9 per cent makes him a unique asset.

For that reason alone, his position may be quite safe, with Leite likely coming in as solely a backup.

Should Jarrad Branthwaite be worried about Everton future anyway?

If Everton move on to target a different centre-back than Leite, there could be more room for fear for Branthwaite.

Clubs can only wait so long for injury issues to subside, no matter how talented of a player you are. Realistically, availability is one of the most important traits, and the 23-year-old has not had that.

It has been a season from hell for the Englishmen, and now it is a waiting game to see if he comes out the other side for the better of it.

If he continues to pick up injuries, uncomfortable conversations may have to be had.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.