Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite wants to leave the club this summer to play in the Champions League amid interest from Chelsea, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The Toffees defender has been one of the standout performers at Goodison Park in recent seasons, and the club were able to fend off interest from Manchester United last summer to keep him at the club as they valued him at around £70m.
The 22-year-old shone once again in the 2024/25 season and there is now interest in him once again from London's blue half, but it now seems that the defender could be ready to make a play to get a transfer away from Merseyside.
Branthwaite Wants to Leave Everton
Chelsea prioritising him as their new centre-back
Jarrad Branthwaite in action for Everton
Chelsea are said to be in the market for a new central defender this summer amid concerns over the long-term fitness of Wesley Fofana, while Trevoh Chalobah is once again expected to be sold despite returning from a season-long loan in January due to his good form.
Branthwaite, who has been described as 'superstar', is the defender they are looking at most closely and they have made him their priority target for the position during this transfer window.
However, while Everton aren't willing to lower their asking price currently it has now been reported that the player himself could push to leave in order to secure Champions League football, putting Chelsea in a strong position.
Jarrad Branthwaite Everton Stats 2024/25
Games
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Tackles p/g
Interceptions p/g
Clearances p/g
Blocks p/g
It's believed that Branthwaite himself is frustrated by Everton's £70m valuation, and while it was initially believed that he wouldn't push for a move, it has now transpired that he wants to join Chelsea and may ask the Toffees to allow him to leave.
Phillips reports that while the former Carlisle man loves and respects Everton as a club, he is keen to advance his career and play in the Champions League. How Everton would respond to this request remains to be seen, however.
David Moyes is looking to strengthen the squad with several new arrivals as the club move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2025/26 season, with the club's new owners The Friedkin Group providing funds for him to reshape his squad.
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All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 17/06/2025.
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