Jarrad Branthwaite signs his new Everton contract
Jarrad Branthwaite signs his new Everton contract
In the summer in which Everton have to do practically everything, a big bullet point can be scrathed off Angus Kinnear's checklist. The one that reads 'Jarrad Branthwaite - new contract'.
On Wednesday morning, the Blues announced the news that their star defender has signed a five-year deal. It confirms he will be at Everton next season in their first year at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and potentially to 2030, when the terms of the new deal run out.
Make no mistake, it is a statement signing from . Branthwaite was courted throughout last summer by Manchester United with two bids knocked back, before in this window Tottenham Hotspur made their interest known.
Spurs did finish below the Blues last season in the Premier League of course, although their Europa League win means they can dangle the enticing prospect of the Champions League in front of potential new acquisitions.
So in the early weeks of the summer there were naturally some nerves as the usual rumour mill clicked into gear. But that will quickly grind to a halt. is here to stay.
That is obviously a huge boost for Everton for a plethora of reasons. Most pertinently, they've secured the future of a brilliant footballer.
While Branthwaite was slow to get going last season due to injury, when he did return to full fitness he was close to his imperious best.
His partnership with continued to blossom, then when the veteran defender got injured, Branthwaite showed a new side to his game in matches alongside .
With the then-22-year-old taking on the senior role in the centre-back partnership, he was more vocal on the pitch, keener to take on responsibility.
He's still young too. Branthwaite winning Everton's Young Player of the Year award last term was a jarring reminder of how early he is in his journey.
"He is still only 23 and his best years are hopefully still ahead of him," Blues boss said in the press release after Branthwaite's contract was confirmed. "We believe he can have a huge role to play in an exciting new era at the football club."
The future is appealing. This contract can make the challenges Everton face in the short-term easier too.
Branthwaite staying will naturally send a message to current players and potential signings that the Blues are serious. They want to preserve their best talent and protect the value of their most lucrative playing pieces. They have not messed around in getting this deal signed.
Getting it done so soon in the window gives Everton some vital clarity too. With Branthwaite secure, the new-look recruitment team know they can rest relatively easy when it comes to the defensive portion of the team.
Had Branthwaite been tempted by a transfer, a significant sum would've been recouped and numerous positions would need to be filled. Spending in the region of the circa £75million that the Blues wanted for him last summer on the right kind of players for next season would not have been easy.
It's not easy to find footballers like Branthwaite.
With no other current first-team players looking likely to leave, now the supposed transfer gurus that've been drafted in know where they stand. They will know the budget they have to work with and know what positions are in most pressing need of improvement.
The same goes for and to a lesser extent, who are also set to sign new deals. In Gueye, Everton have a midfielder they know they can rely on. In Keane, Everton know they have a defender who will still fight for a place in the side, but will be well aware of his current status in the pecking order.
The group of players that rock up at Finch Farm on Friday for the return of pre-season training will likely be joined by numerous new faces by the time the season kicks off. The squad list is short and needs replenishing to a major extent.
That process will leave supporters feeling apprehensive and excited to varying extents. This squad is in for significant surgery before a once-in-a-lifetime change of home. The scale is practically unprecedented in the Premier League era.
But it all feels a little bit more secure given Everton know where they stand with their key piece. It all feels a lot easier with Branthwaite boxed off.