Jarrad Branthwaite's transfer value to plummet after new injury, Everton should have cashed in
Jarrad Branthwaite appears to have suffered another crushing blow after being stretchered off during Everton's defeat to Liverpool.
Losing their most talented centre-half was already enough disappointment for the Toffees, only to have salt rubbed into their wounds as Virgil van Dijk scored a winner in the 10th minute of added time.
The Toffees put up an incredible fight at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, 19 April, but were forced to leave with very little to show for it, plus a rather concerning injury update.
David Moyes is extremely worried that the 23-year-old may have sustained a serious setback on the pitch, and Everton may now be regretting their transfer choices after previous interest in the player.
Jarrad Branthwaite could have been Man United's problem
During the summer of 2024, an entire transfer saga broke out when Man United submitted multiple bids for the centre-back, all of which were rejected by the Toffees.
The Red Devils offered £45million plus £5million in add-ons, but with the Merseyside outfit valuing him at £70million, it was always unlikely that Branthwaite was going to be sold.
With James Tarkowski and Michael Keane both starring in defence this season, Moyes' side have dealt well without their youngest defender, so much so that European qualification remains on the cards.
| Jarrad Branthwaite's injuries at Everton | Season | Games missed |
| Hamstring | 2025-26 | 25 |
| Groin | 2024-25 | 20 |
| Ankle | 2020-21 | 7 |
Branthwaite, of course, has made a difference since he returned from injury, but many will always think about what could have been had the club decided to cash in on their injury-plagued defender.
Who could Everton have signed in defence instead?
Club Brugge's Joel Ordonez has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and the 21-year-old rarely has injury issues across Belgian Pro League and Champions League fixtures.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are ready to gamble on John Stones, who spent three years on Merseyside, before earning his big-money move to Man City.
Of course, much like Branthwaite, the England international has his struggles off the pitch, and because of that, he has made just four Premier League starts all season, adding to his six from last term.
It remains unclear just how serious the injury is to Moyes' No.32, but if he's set to be sidelined on a long-term basis, some might regret the decision not to cash in on him when they could.