Jarrad Branthwaite Manchester United Everton
(Credit: Imago)
Dan Godfrey
Sat 22 March 2025 17:40, UK
Everton are gearing up for another summer of standing firm over Jarrad Branthwaite as clubs circle like vultures for the defender once again.
The Toffees’ robustness in fending off bids for Branthwaite from Manchester United last year was admirable, but it could be a trickier task this time around.
Branthwaite, 22, has been surprisingly snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for his inaugural England camp and is thus with Lee Carsley’s Under-21 squad over the international break, having returned to fitness in recent months to put in some superb displays.
Branthwaite could finally leave Everton this summer (Credit: Imago)
Everton ‘find £21million Branthwaite replacement’
Everton and Branthwaite have a contract until 2027, which puts the position of the Toffees in a fairly middle-ground area in terms of power.
The Toffees know if they do not convince the defender to sign an extension and become the highest-paid player at Bramley-Moore Dock, they stand a slimmer chance of gathering a decent fee for his services the longer they keep hold of him.
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Branthwaite himself may be increasingly restless due to his omission from the England squad, possibly believing that a Champions League-level club could stand him in greater stead to appear for Tuchel at next year’s World Cup.
According to TEAMtalk (22 March), if Everton have to concede the sale of Branthwaite, they could look to replace him with Genoa star Koni de Winter, who has recently become a full Belgian international.
De Winter has attracted interest due to his similar profile to Branthwaite – the duo being the same age, similar height and build, and same position.
The towering centre-half has a contract with Genoa until the summer of 2028, with the Serie A outfit set to slap a price tag on his shoulder of at least £21million – light spends for Everton if Branthwaite departs.
Indeed, the same report adds that Genoa’s valuation will not be enough to deter Everton.
Moyes would have more transfer flexibility if Everton did sell their star man (Credit: Imago)
David Moyes’ PSR worries would evaporate if Branthwaite was sold
The universal feeling on Branthwaite is what a massive shame it would be when he does finally depart Merseyside.
A young, dynamic, left-footed centre-half of his stature is a rare commodity and whenever he has been fit, he has shown a wisdom parallel with a seasoned pro at the highest level in their thirties.
Koni de Winter – 2024-25
Appearances 17
Goals 3
Clean sheets 5
Duels won per 90 min. 5.8
Ball recoveries per 90 min. 3.9
(For Genoa in Serie A) (Sofascore)
Moyes had previously complained that PSR was the reason Everton could not have too much of a busy January window, with the loan deal for Carlos Alcaraz their only arrival.
Branthwaite could command in excess of £60-70million, and if it is to be Man United once again leading the pursuit of the England ace, they know better than anyone that Everton are a tough nut to crack.
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