Jarrad Branthwaite, Dan Friedkin
(Credit: Imago)
Goodison News speaking to Bryan King
Sun 6 July 2025 7:40, UK
Everton fans will have renewed optimism going into next season with progress now being made.
The Toffees were starting to fear the worst as June passed by without a single new face joining Everton, while the prospect of losing their star defender to Chelsea loomed over supporters.
Some of those worries were finally dispelled as Everton announced that Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new contract, extending his stay on Merseyside until 2030.
It is just reward for the towering defender, who has been integral in keeping Everton in the Premier League and is expected to be the centrepiece of the new era.
Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton.
Branthwaite has signed a new contract with Everton (Credit: Imago)
Branthwaite could now be the biggest earner at Everton
The Friedkin Group promised significant investment in the first team at Everton and has shown that they are willing to back up their statements with action, as seen with Branthwaite.
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The Toffees are also on the verge of signing Thierno Barry, who has been one of David Moyes’ top targets this summer.
This would be an excellent start to the transfer window, although it has not been disclosed how much either player will set Everton back in terms of wages or the terms of their contracts.
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes Branthwaite could now be Everton’s highest earner and does not expect his contract to include a release clause.
“I don’t think there will be a release clause in there,” King said.
“If Branthwaite fulfils three out of those five years, and continues to develop the way he is, it’s going to be a learning curve for him, working with Moyes at Everton.
“He’s settled now, new stadium. I could see him breaking into the England squad if he works hard. It’s nice for him to be settled. He’ll be on good money – he will probably be one of the biggest earners at the football club, if not the biggest.”
Thierno Barry, Everton, Villareal
Barry looks set to be Everton’s first signing this summer (Credit: Imago)
Everton still short at the back
The trio of England internationals that form the core of Everton’s defence are set to be the starters next season, but Moyes will still need a couple of additions at the back to support them.
Seamus Coleman also signed a contract extension, but his injury record suggests he can not be relied upon, while Kenny Tete ended up staying at Fulham.
The Toffees are still short of at least two defenders, especially at full-back, and will need to address this issue this summer to give Moyes the platform to build around Branthwaite.
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