Harri Burton

Fri 28 February 2025 12:34, UK

The Friedkin Group and Everton could face trouble keeping hold of Jarrad Branthwaite during the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

Branthwaite has attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid in recent seasons, is currently contracted with the Blues until the summer of 2027, and is reportedly “open” to discussing a new deal.

The 22-year-old defender was the subject of a bids from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man United last summer, though they refused to match the Toffees’ asking price.

Having created an incredible partnership with James Tarkowski in the centre of the defence, protecting Jordan Pickford at all costs, Everton have created somewhat of a fortress at Goodison Park over the last two seasons.

However, he is now one of the most talented young defenders in the Premier League, which has seen multiple high-profile clubs from around Europe keeping their eyes on him, and bids are now expected from Champions League sides at the end of the season.

While The Friedkins have helped stabilise the financial situation on Merseyside since taking over from Farhad Moshiri, that might still not be enough to keep their star centre-back this summer.

Jarrad Branthwaite open to new Everton contract

Speaking live on Sky Sports News [28 February], Vicky Gommarsall said: “Jarrad Branthwaite would be open to discussing a new contract with the club, but they are going to fight to keep the defender this summer.

“The England centre-back is expected to have intense interest from a number of top clubs around Europe, including several in the Champions League – Liverpool, Man City and Spurs are among those to track Branthwaite. Real Madrid are said to have sent scouts.

“Everton would like to keep him long-term, but despite the new ownership improving their financial parameters, sources have indicated that it is unlikely Everton could match the muscle of those clubs getting ready to make offers for the player.”

The Friedkin Group face difficult task of keeping star players this summer

Football Insider verdict

David Moyes has brought a breath of fresh air to Goodison Park this season, with the Toffees moving 15 points clear of the relegation zone after going seven games unbeaten in the league.

However, losing Branthwaite, who has been tipped to stay with Everton for another year, would be a tremendous blow, but that might be unavoidable.

Unless The Friedkin Group can quickly turn the Toffees into a European-qualifying team next season, it will be difficult to keep hold of a player such as the 22-year-old’s calibre.

What makes Moyes’ job even harder next season will be the number of players currently on loan at Goodison Park, such as Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Carlos Alcaraz.

The squad will need heavy investment once the summer transfer window opens up, and with tens of millions of pounds likely to come from Branthwaite’s sale, his exit could fund a total rebuild.

Doing that, though, would mean trying to find a new figure to fill his shoes in the centre of defence, and with only three teams conceding more goals last season, that would be almost impossible.