LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite thanks the fans after the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on May 18, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Jarrad Branthwaite thanks Everton fans after the final game of the season
Everton have made their second big move of the summer in opening up talks over a new contract with Jarrad Branthwaite.
The close season began with a deal to make Carlos Alcaraz’s loan move from Flamengo permanent - a positive start after the 22-year-old became a fan favourite with a string of impressive displays, including in the final day win at Newcastle United which was secured with his second-half header.
A quiet June now looks set to end dominated by hope fresh terms can be agreed with one of Everton’s star players, with David Moyes eager to build around Branthwaite and his centre-back partner James Tarkowski and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The three have been the bedrock of one of the Premier League’s most defiant defences across the past two campaigns.
The other key issue right now is resolving the futures of Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane, all of whom are out of contract at the end of the month. Coleman and Gueye have been offered new deals.
While players and staff have been enjoying holidays around the world, the rumour mill has been whirring as focus has turned to the rebuilding project at Finch Farm.
Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker have been among the highest profile players linked to the club, but it is starlets like Thierno Barry, Nick Woldemart and Ben Doak that are higher on the wishlist.
The latest new name reported to be on the Blues’ radar is Juventus attacker Timothy Weah. He is currently at the Club World Cup with Juventus - and was part of the squad present in that bizarre Oval Room meeting as US President Donald Trump discussed geopolitics in front of a bemused set of players and coaches.
As ever, the ECHO will have the latest, so follow us here for updates on all things Blue.
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