Jarrad Branthwaite has reached a decision over his future - and has opted to stay at Everton.
“I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about,” Branthwaite told EvertonTV after signing a new deal that runs until June 2030.
“The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.
“I know the club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project and it’s something I want to be part of.
“Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”
Branthwaite’s decision to commit his future to the Toffees comes after months of interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United have both shown their hands to the centre-back, who has rejected their advances - which he largely attributes to the return of David Moyes as manager.
Branthwaite added: “I’ve been at Everton for five-and-a-half years now and I’ve seen the change the club’s had over the past six months. It’s very exciting for us as a team, as players, to have that going on in the background and obviously to be starting the new season at the new stadium. The ambition was a huge thing.
“The way the manager wants us to go as a team and what he wants us to do for next season and where he wants us to challenge for has had a big impact on the decision. I think you saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do.
“The manager has been really good, not only for me but for the group. You saw the change in results, the change in mood since he came in. He drives the demands every day to be better.”
Speaking about Branthwaite’s new contract, Everton boss Moyes said: “We’re delighted Jarrad has committed his future to us. He is still only 23 and his best years are hopefully still ahead of him.
“We believe he can have a huge role to play in an exciting new era at the football club.”
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