Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has not played a competitive game for the Toffees since their Goodison Park farewell in May – but that hasn’t stopped clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea remaining interested in him.
Everton have been forced to utilise Michael Keane and James Tarkowski in their backline as the main centre-back pairing under David Moyes so far this season, given Jarrad Branthwaite has been out with a thigh injury.
Branthwaite also missed parts of last season with a groin injury, and after a superb 2023-24 campaign, he’s not had too much to shout about.
But despite Everton’s ‘no sale’ stance on his future, the Cumbria-born star still has interest from a whole host of the Premier League’s top clubs – though he’s simply looking to get back to full fitness for the time being.
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Jarrad Branthwaite is focusing entirely on a return to fitness despite Premier League interest
Speaking to Everton News, journalist Graeme Bailey exclusively told us that David Moyes still holds Branthwaite in the highest regard and can’t wait for him to get back to full fitness.
Liverpool and Chelsea, among others, are interested, as are Manchester United.
The Red Devils had a couple of bids for Branthwaite rejected in the summer of 2024, instead opting for Leny Yoro from Lille.
Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with the England youngster earlier this week.
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Yet Branthwaite, despite the interest, is simply focused on getting back to the playing field before making a move on his future.
Bailey said: “Everton and Branthwaite are really disappointed by his recent surgery.
“Everton and David Moyes were looking for Jarrad Branthwaite to be key for them. They still hold him in the highest regard, and believe he is one of the best in Europe for his age.
“Branthwaite is now focused on returning to fitness and making England’s World Cup squad, which he still thinks is a realistic ambition.”
“In terms of the future, Everton are firmly behind him, and as we’ve said they think his potential is limitless – but they are not alone. Manchester United have already tried to buy him, but all of the big clubs are still on his trail.
“Chelsea, Tottenham, and even city rivals Liverpool are interested, but he is not going anywhere anytime soon.
“His full focus for 2026 is getting fit, and then he hopes that puts him in England contention.”
A World Cup place seems a long way away given he’s not played for six months and that could spring the youngster back into the public eye if he does make Thomas Tuchel’s plane.
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Jarrad Branthwaite has a fight on his hands to retain first-team spot
James Tarkowski appears to be David Moyes’ first-choice centre-back at present, though it’s not a given that Branthwaite would partner him on current form.
Michael Keane is a bit more suspect than Branthwaite at defending, but he does score goals, with two already in the Premier League this season.
Jake O’Brien has also featured extremely well for the Toffees at right-back and, as a result, could be issued a chance to perform in his natural centre-back role once Branthwaite returns from injury.
Player Premier League games
James Tarkowski 11
Michael Keane 11
Jake O’Brien 11
Jarrad Branthwaite 0
The former Carlisle United man is undoubtedly Everton’s biggest defensive asset but if he takes an extended period to force his way back into the side, it could be a long route back to secure that sacred World Cup place.
Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and John Stones have all played well for England in recent times and Branthwaite’s one cap may not be enough to take him to North America.