Everton have made it very clear to linked clubs, including Manchester United, the future of 23-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite.
Manchester United have been linked to the Everton star for the last couple of seasons, but the persistent rumours have never turned into anything more concrete. The £70m price tag was placed on the England international during the summer, making him one of the more expensive options during that time.
Jarrad Branthwaite hasn’t appeared for the Toffees in the Premier League this season due to a hamstring injury, which led to the defender requiring surgery. Although James Tarkowski has stepped up of late, it is obvious from last season that Branthwaite is a key player for David Moyes’ side, and Everton will surely improve once he returns.
Branthwaite’s surgery will likely rule him out for the foreseeable future, and is a similar case to United’s Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez, who has been out since February and has just returned to training recently.
Everton have made it clear in the past that Branthwaite is a key asset to their club, whom they are not willing to let go easily. Their response to his injury and in regards to transfer interest has been no different.
Everton adamant there will be no mid-season departure
Everton have spelt out their intentions to keep Branthwaite and allow him to regain his place in the side following his lengthy injury, squashing any rumours of a mid-season departure from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
According to TeamTalk, one of the Toffees’ biggest summer targets was to secure Branthwaite on a long-term deal in Merseyside, which they managed to do with the player committing his future to Everton by signing a five-year contract.
Despite constant rumours following the 23-year-old and being sidelined for the foreseeable future, under David Moyes, Branthwaite is a key part of the defensive restructure and if Everton can hold onto the Englishman long enough, surely a future captain of the side.
There has been no credible evidence that there is a release clause in the defender’s new contract, allowing Everton to charge what they think Branthwaite is worth, even if it seems steep for an injured centre-back.
The adamant stance taken by Everton on Branthwaite’s future has sent a message to clubs that he will certainly be unavailable in January, and could even remain at The Dickinson Hill Stadium beyond 2026.
Do United even need Branthwaite?
Although Branthwaite is clearly a talented player, United have more than enough centre-back coverage, especially with Lisandro Martinez’s return looking imminent. The signing of the Evertonian could cause more headaches for Amorim than it is worth.
Matthijs De Ligt has arguably been one of the best players under Amorim this season, with Harry Maguire also putting in some solid performances here and there. Leny Yoro also appears to be integrating well into the team, which is crucial for the 19-year-old’s development.
Martinez’s return, as well as emerging talent such as Ayden Heaven gaining more minutes, will mean United have an abundance of centre-back options. Signing someone like Branthwaite could cause players to become disgruntled, especially if the 23-year-old did not hit the ground running.
The summer transfer window is where interest in the Toffees man will peak, with United being a frontrunner, as they look to replace an ageing Harry Maguire for the long term.
However, for now, it is up to Everton to aid Branthwiate in his recovery and enable him to reach the top of his game, regaining some of the form he has displayed over the last couple of seasons.
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