Jarrad Branthwaite commits long-term future to Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his long-term future to Everton, signing a new five-year deal with the club.

The centre-back was strongly linked with a move away from Everton with Manchester United seeming the most likely destination 12 months ago. The Red Devils were put off by the asking price of around £70m, with Chelsea being told the same this summer.

The 23-year-old had two years to run on his contract, potentially forcing Everton's hand had they not agreed a deal with the defender, but the extension is massive news for the club.

It was thought Branthwaite was up for sale owing to the club needing to raise funds, but the fact they've not only ruled out a sale but convinced their top asset to sign a new deal bodes well for the Toffees.

The club are desperately short of senior players with just 17 players under contract with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane's contracts expiring and Ashley Young retiring. Although the side is in need of reinvestment, fans can rest assured that won't come by way of selling Branthwaite.

"I'm over the moon," said Branthwaite. "It's been something we've been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I'm really excited about.

"The trust the club's put in me and how many games I've played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player."

Branthwaite has enjoyed a superb rise to prominence on Merseyside over the last couple of years. After a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite was picked as Everton's first-choice centre-back alongside James Tarkowski in the 2023/24 season, scoring the opener in the 2-0 win over Liverpool in April.

Tarkowski was rewarded for his impressive first season as a Premier League starter with an England call-up in March, making his debut in June.

While he was omitted from the Euro 2024 squad, Branthwaite looks like a future England regular and will be banging on Thomas Tuchel's door for another chance over the next few months ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Branthwaite is 11/10 to be in England's World Cup squad next summer.

Liam Williams

• Everton F.C.
• Premier League
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