Asmir Begovic reacts to Jarrad Branthwaite transfer decision amid Man United links
Asmir Begovic has reacted to a major update regarding Everton star defender and England international Jarrad Branthwaite.
After establishing himself as a key player for the Toffees, Branthwaite attracted interest from Manchester United.
But the Merseyside club have now taken a significant step to secure the 23-year-old’s long-term future amid their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Branthwaite helped Everton land a comfortable 13th-place finish in the Premier League last term, making 30 top-flight appearances.
Begovic reacts as Branthwaite signs long-term Everton contract
After the goalkeeper left the Toffees at the end of his contract in June, Championship duo Southampton and Leicester want to sign Begovic.
On the other hand, Everton have tied defender Branthwaite down to a fresh deal, lasting until the end of the 2029/30 season.
The Merseyside club’s official Instagram posted on Wednesday, 2 July: “Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his long-term future to the Toffees by signing a new five-year contract until the end of June 2030.”
Everton’s announcement attracted a like from Begovic.
Thierno Barry set to become David Moyes’ next vital piece of business
Football Insider verdict
Amid the previous interest from Manchester United in Branthwaite’s services, Everton will be thrilled to have secured the centre-back’s long-term future.
| Jarrad Branthwaite stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Tackles won % | 55.6 |
| Duels won % | 63.4 |
| Pass accuracy % | 82.9 |
While David Moyes must now utilise the summer transfer window to strengthen his squad ahead of next season, retaining the 23-year-old was a majorly important piece of business.
Meanwhile, after Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Everton as a free agent, the Toffees must now turn their attentions towards bolstering their frontline.
Calvert-Lewin scored just three goals in 26 Premier League appearances last season, but the Blues now boast Beto as their only out-and-out striker.
With that in mind, Everton are set to accelerate their interest in Thierno Barry, who scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga appearances for Villareal last season.
The 22-year-old also scored for France in this summer’s Under-21 European Championship, while securing his signature will be crucial for the Toffees.
Elsewhere, Calvert-Lewin has been tipped to join Burnley, Leeds United, or Sunderland in a Goodison News exclusive.