On today’s episode of “Where’s Jarrad going?” comes a positive development for Everton as the youngster is open to discussing a new contract with the club. However, keeping him beyond this season could still be a mammoth task.
New owners The Friedkin Group are likely to face an uphill battle with Real Madrid and Liverpool circling around Branthwaite’s camp and offering large sums for the services of the 22-year-old, who has a contract with the Blues until the summer of 2027.
He was also the subject of multiple bids from INEOS-owned Manchester United last summer though they failed to match the club’s final asking price. That asking price is only expected to rise going into the next transfer window following Branthwaite’s strong partnership with captain James Tarkowksi at the back.
Everton’s upturn in form under David Moyes, however, could prove to be crucial as Branthwaite has recently shown interest in hearing Everton’s offer. Vicky Gommarsall on Sky Sports News said, “Jarrad Branthwaite would be open to discussing a new contract with the club, but they are going to fight to keep the defender this summer.
“The England centre-back is expected to have intense interest from a number of top clubs around Europe, including several in the Champions League – Liverpool, Man City and Spurs are among those to track Branthwaite. Real Madrid are said to have sent scouts.
“Everton would like to keep him long-term, but dispute the new ownership improving their financial parameters, sources have indicated that it is unlikely Everton could match the muscle of those clubs getting ready to make offers for the player.”
The question of whether to keep or sell Jarrad Branthwaite for the right price is likely to dominate much of Everton’s summer transfer window. He has been an absolute rock at the back and replacing him will be a difficult proposition. At the same time, Everton will also need money to pour into the squad since several members of the starting XI are loan players and Branthwaite’s exit could fund a massive squad rebuild.