Two top contenders to replace Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton, one has far better stats
Everton are bracing themselves for eye-watering offers for Jarrad Branthwaite in January as they must identify a centre-back replacement.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football insider on 2 October that Liverpool have Branthwaite on their radar.
The Reds are working on acquiring a new centre-back along with the Red Devils who are keen to bolster their leaky defence.
Sources told Football Insider that Everton will not sell Branthwaite in January, yet a seismic offer can very quickly change the club’s stance given their financial constraints.
In the event that Liverpool or United submit a persuasive offer to the Toffees for the Englishman, Football Insider has identified two targets David Moyes should bring in, using data from the 2024-25 domestic campaign via FBRef.
Marash Kumbulla – Roma (on season-long loan to Mallorca)
Having joined Roma back in September 2020, the Albania international has struggled in recent seasons to force his way into the starting XI.
Marash Kumbulla has spent the last two campaigns on loan and is now on his third spell away from the Italian capital with Mallorca.
The 25-year-old has only featured in half of the La Liga outfit’s matches in 2025-26, setting him up for a potentially disappointing loan spell.
The number four’s contract at Roma runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign, yet Mallorca do have the option to buy the defender at the end of the season.
The Toffees must act fast to snap up the six-foot-three centre-back given his sensational stats from his loan spell with Espanyol in 2024-25.
Kumbulla’s passing accuracy of 84.5 per cent eclipses Branthwaite’s 82.1 per cent, highlighting his superb distribution.
Moreover, the Albanian was superior defensively, accruing 0.79 tackles won per-90 and 1.45 blocks per-90, surpassing the Englishman (0.72 and 1.11).
| Selected stats 2024-25 domestic competitions | Jarrad Branthwaite | Marash Kumbulla |
| Appearances (starts) | 30 (28) | 35 (34) |
| Minutes played | 2,511 | 2,972 |
| Goals | 0 | 3 |
| Passing accuracy | 82.1% | 84.5% |
| Tackles won per-90 | 0.72 | 0.79 |
| Aerial duels won | 59.2% | 61.7% |
Everton’s number 32 is known for his amazing aerial ability, yet Kumbulla won 61.7 per cent of his aerial duels, more than Moyes’ man (59.2 per cent).
With Mallorca contemplating if they bring in the ex-Sassuolo defender on a permanent basis at the end of the season, the Toffees must act fast to secure his services if Branthwaite is to leave.
Dara O’Shea – Ipswich
The Ireland international is in his second campaign with Ipswich yet could already be on the move again following his consistent performances.
Dara O’Shea has been going under the radar under Kieran McKenna and has risen to become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Compared to Branthwaite, the ex-Burnley defender is superior defensively with 0.84 tackles won per-90 and 1.74 blocks per-90.
The 26-year-old also challenges the Englishman for recoveries, only averaging 0.11 fewer per-90 with 3.22 against the latter’s 3.33.
On a lengthy contract until the end of the 2029-30 season, the price tag may be the only issue for the Toffees.
However, with international teammates Jake O’Brien and Seamus Coleman playing their football on Merseyside, they could prove to be a key factor in bringing the former Claret to Everton.