Everton have been left sweating over the future of Jarrad Branthwaite for a number of months now.
Since earning himself a spot in the starting XI, Branthwaite has established himself as a mainstay in the Everton side.
However, his performances have only attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs around.
Real Madrid have shown an interest in Branthwaite, and then there is interest from inside the Premier League with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur.
But it seems as if there has already been one big decision made by The Friedkin Group on a potential new deal for the defender.
And it is one which some may feel may not go down entirely well across the board on Merseyside.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
The Friedkins make Jarrad Branthwaite refusal at Everton
There is no major rush to secure Branthwaite down to a new deal with the 23-year-old still having two years on his deal.
However, Branthwaite has already hinted at a new Everton contract ahead of this summer’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
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According to Team Talk, however, the Friedkins would refuse breaking the club’s wage structure to make Branthwaite their highest earner.
New: Everton are prepared to hand Jarrad Branthwaite a new contract of around £100,000 p/w to stave off interest.
Understand Real Madrid and Liverpool have both discussed centre-back. #EFC calm and confident of keeping him. @TEAMtalk https://t.co/Hk3CDzg2Im
— Harry Watkinson (@HJWatkinson) March 12, 2025
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It is believed a new deal for the defender would see his wage dramatically increase, but he would not earn more than James Tarkowski on £100k-per-week.
Even Everton’s Merseyside rivals Liverpool are said to have internally discussed Branthwaite as a potential Virgil van Dijk successor.
The Friedkins are keen to wrap up a new deal for Branthwaite, with Everton’s energy needing to be focused on possible arrivals this summer.
A big few months lie ahead for the club both on and off the pitch, and securing Branthwaite’s future would be a huge signal in the right direction.
Everton should make Jarrad Branthwaite their highest earner
It has to be said, Branthwaite is going to see his salary dramatically increase, when he is handed a new deal by the Toffees.
However, the centre-back could be the face of this Everton defence for years and years to come.
Branthwaite has loved playing under Moyes, with the Blues showing massive improvement.
It would be a huge indication of the club’s trust in the defender to succeed Tarkowski in wearing the armband by making him the top earner.
Player Weekly salary
Abdoulaye Doucoure £130k
Jordan Pickford £125k
Idrissa Gana Gueye £120k
James Tarkowski £100k
Source: Capology.
Of course, the results need to match the ambition of the owners, but a player who has the interest of all these top sides could well be offered a lot more elsewhere.
Tarkowski has been a great servant for Everton over recent years, but Branthwaite is destined for much bigger things, and a huge deal could help keep his mind clear of any interest from elsewhere.