Everton fans will feel sick as Jarrad Branthwaite 'update' emerges

Jarrad Branthwaite is much-loved at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but much like the Everton supporters, he can be a frustrated figure.

The 23-year-old made just 10 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, seven of them Premier League starts, mainly thanks to injuries.

Struggles off the pitch have been a constant worry for the centre-half and the Toffees, and it would even appear that he's in a race against time to return for the new season.

Despite his issues, Branthwaite remains a highly sought-after player in the Premier League, admired for his no-nonsense defending and ability on the ball.

Still, David Moyes has a huge decision to make about Branthwaite's future, especially when James Tarkowski and Michael Keane would currently make it difficult to get back into the starting lineup.

It would seem like Everton are going to get caught up in multiple transfer battles this summer, but instead of targeting players, they will be attempting to stop others from poaching theirs.

European giants come calling for Jarrad Branthwaite

The Toffees are already at risk of losing Iliman Ndiaye amid strong interest from Manchester City, and he's not the only high-profile player being eyed up.

Last summer, Manchester United were attempting to prise Branthwaite away from Merseyside, having two measely bids rejected for the centre-back.

Moyes' side eventually held out to keep him, but according to the Daily Mail (12 June), the Red Devils are interested once again, joined by Man City and Bayern Munich.

It would surely be impossible for Branthwaite to turn down the Bundesliga champions should they come knocking. But yet again, Everton want £70million for his signature.

There need to be serious conversations about potentially lowering that price tag and cashing in, with no end in sight for the young star's frustrating injuries.

Everton may already have plans for Branthwaite's replacement

It would appear that the club have already put plans in place to ensure that a big gap isn't left in the squad, though no actual moves have been made yet.

John Stones, formerly of the Toffees and just became a free agent, is being considered at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but much like Branthwaite, he struggles with injuries.

Federico Gatti of Juventus is another name linked with a Premier League switch, and his Champions League experience would be a huge addition to Moyes' squad.

A whole host of other names have appeared on Merseyside, suggesting that the transfer chiefs are ready and waiting in the eventuality that Branthwaite finally makes his move away.

The transfer links aren't half-exhausting, though, aren't they?