Jarrad Branthwaite tipped to be beaten by Everton teammate to new role

Jordan Pickford is the natural option to be Everton's next club captain following the departure of Seamus Coleman.

That is the opinion of former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Coleman called time on 17 years with the Toffees this summer when he left the club on a free transfer, leaving the armband free for the first time since he took it in 2019.

James Tarkowski captained Everton on the pitch throughout last season, but it remains unclear if he will take the role on permanently.

Pickford earned his 91st cap for England as they were beaten 2-1 by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old is expected to continue breaking records for his nation and will mark 10 years with Everton next summer.

Jarrad Branthwaite tipped for Everton role

Next season will be a big one for Jarrad Branthwaite. In 2024, the centre-back was subject to a £50million bid from Manchester United, such had he impressed in his breakout Premier League season.

The 2024-25 season saw him make 30 Premier League appearances after a brief period of injury, but the season just gone was one decimated by problems.

Branthwaite was missing until late January with a hamstring injury, and he could only return for 10 games before suffering another one.

Thankfully, the 24-year-old should return for the start of next season and he will hope to experience a campaign of availability.

"Well, you look at Pickford, he's the most experienced, isn't he? Well, he seems to be. 90 caps for England," King told Football Insider.

"I'd like to know a bit more about, as a team captain, I wonder about the boy Braithwaite. If he can get fit and remain fit, I think he could be a leader on the pitch.

"But as a club captain, I would say that, with his experience and his stature at the club, I would say Pickford would be a sensible choice."

David Moyes comments suggest future option

Luckily for David Moyes, Everton are lucky enough to have a squad packed full of leaders.

The Scot will have his choice for captain, but he knows that he will have several captains on the pitch regardless.

One of them, he hinted at in January, could well take the armband in the future.

"He’s taking on more responsibility and we’re now seeing a really important midfielder, with the versatility to play in other positions, as well as someone who is turning into a leader for us," Moyes said of James Garner.