Jarrad Branthwaite revealed something to Angus Kinnear that says it all about the Everton project.
The Friedkin Group have made a solid impact on the club since arriving in December 2024, and Angus Kinnear’s appointment was a great decision.
Kinnear made sure Everton signed the right players instead of spending unsustainably like they have done in the past.
It’s safe to say so far this season under David Moyes that looks to be the truth, and keeping the right players was crucial as well.
Jarrad Branthwaite is one of those, and what he told Kinnear after a big milestone at Everton shows where the Toffees are.
Jarrad Branthwaite playing for Everton vs Wolves.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Angus Kinnear reveals that Jarrad Branthwaite underlined his excitement about Everton
Back at the start of July, Everton made the correct decision in tying Jarrad Branthwaite down to a new contract.
The 23-year-old is seen as a big part of the club’s future, and Kinnear couldn’t stress this enough.
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Speaking to Everton’s media, the CEO has revealed what the centre-back said, which made the new deal the perfect choice.
“The first priority was to secure the long-term commitment of Jarrad Branthwaite, a player who had been attracting interest from several Champions League clubs,” Kinnear said.
“The fact Jarrad, one of the country’s most highly-rated young defenders, chose to sign a five-year deal, underlining his excitement at what is happening at the Club, reinforces the scale of what we can achieve here.”
"This season marks the dawn of a new age for Everton."
CEO Angus Kinnear reflects on a summer of significant change and outlines our future ambitions in a message to supporters inside today's programme. 🔵
— Everton (@Everton) September 13, 2025
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This speaks volumes about the direction the Blues are heading in, as European football didn’t seem to even persuade Branthwaite to leave.
The defender will be hoping the Toffees get there of course, but although his place is nailed on, he’s facing some competition.
Michael Keane is providing competition for Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
Even though the central defender is one of the faces of Everton’s future, Michael Keane is putting up a fight for his place.
With Branthwaite suffering a six-week injury, it’s given Keane the chance to prove his doubters wrong and step up, and he’s done exactly that so far this season.
Statistic Rank
Games played 3
Accurate long balls per 90 3.00
Duels won % 62.5%
Interceptions 4
Aerial duels won % 60%
Michael Keane’s 2025/26 Premier League statistics at Everton, as per FotMob
Although when Branthwaite is fit again, he will return to the lineup, one wrong move and the Blues boss won’t think twice about chucking an in-form Keane back into the starting eleven.
The Scot won’t care about players’ potential and importance; if someone isn’t performing, he will make the ruthless decisions, especially with the standards heightened.
Of course, there is no doubt that when the 23-year-old does return, he will perform, but Moyes now has an opportunity to keep the young Englishman on his toes with competition elsewhere.