It’s safe to say many Everton fans are already excited for the summer of 2025.
It is now looking like the Toffees will retain their Premier League status, having established real daylight between themselves and the relegation zone.
David Moyes has done a sterling job since coming in as Sean Dyche’s replacement – and realistically a couple more wins will see Everton safe.
The Friedkin Group will supposedly back Moyes with a healthy transfer budget this summer and supporters are looking forward to the first summer window under the new owners.
But quite a number of players could be leaving the club, with several out of contract.
One player who is not out of contract is Jarrad Branthwaite – but the defender is admired by a number of top clubs.
It’s been claimed recently that Everton could move for Maxime Esteve if Branthwaite does leave – and there are some interesting statistics about the Frenchman that might suggest him as being an excellent replacement.
Everton transfer target Maxime Esteve beats Jarrad Branthwaite in several metrics
Esteve has been with Burnley now since February 2024, with the Clarets landing him on loan from Montpellier initially.
He turned the move permanent last summer.
This term, Esteve has been ‘exceptional’ according to Sky Sports, with Burnley having conceded just nine goals in 33 games – a staggering record.
Esteve, who is valued at £30 million, has played a huge role in Burnley’s defensive solidity, and it’s interesting to note some of the numbers he’s put up this term – and how they compare to the man he could replace at Everton Branthwaite.
As per fbref, Esteve has been a more accurate passer of the ball, with a completion rate of 90.4% so far. Branthwaite has 81.4%.
In his 33 appearances this term, Esteve has completed 106 ‘progressive’ passes, giving him a progressive passes per game metric of 3.2. By contrast, Branthwaite has managed 39 in 18, giving him a metric of 2.1.
Esteve has also been more effective in the air than Branthwaite winning 63.5% of his aerial duels, compared to 47.2% for Branthwaite.
Branthwaite does admittedly have a slightly higher percentage of dribblers tackled metric (76.5% vs 57.7%). But there is really something to be said for Esteve being part of a defence that has been so impenetrable in the Championship this term.
Esteve has also only had one error leading to an opponent’s shot, compared to two for Branthwaite.
Furthermore, Esteve has received just two bookings to Branthwaite’s three.
The Friedkin Group’s stance on Branthwaite
Everton obviously want to keep Branthwaite, given how well he’s fared for the first-team since returning from his loan move to PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.
He has looked like a really established Premier League centre-half, and has a high ceiling.
It would be fantastic to get him tied down to a new contract and for him to lead that backline for years to come at the new stadium. But Everton know he has plenty of admirers.
That said, The Friedkin Group won’t sell Branthwaite for anything less than £70 million this summer. The club won’t be under financial pressure to sell assets in the summer.
It remains to be seen if a club will be prepared to fork out that much. But if a club does come forward, Esteve feels like he’d make for a solid replacement.
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