The future of Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton is in some doubt.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon page, a mooted “big money” offer of £60 million for Jarrad Branthwaite could prove too good for “cash conscious” Everton to refuse.
There is likely to be plenty of potential transfer interest in Branthwaite. The 21-year-old centre-back has been a revelation for Everton so far this season.
The young defender impressed last season whilst on loan with Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven. Building on that experience, Branthwaite quickly usurped Michael Keane in the pecking order at Goodison Park this season. He hasn’t looked back since.
Sean Dyche has been rewarded for his faith in Branthwaite with some superb performances from the England under-21 international.
There are high expectations for Branthwaite at the Merseyside club. So far, those hopes for his future seem to be justified.
However, the impressive nature of Branthwaite’s performances could backfire on the Toffees if the player attracts a level of transfer attention that they can’t afford to ignore.
Everton face tough task in hanging on to Jarrad Branthwaite
Given the precarious financial situation at the club, Everton have to take all approaches for their players seriously. Rival clubs will be well aware of this and may well seek to capitalise by making an approach to sign the 6’5” defender as soon as possible.
Dyche will be hoping that no potential suitors come forward in the upcoming January transfer window. It would be a disaster for Everton if they were to lose the services of Branthwaite midway through the current campaign as he has quickly become a key figure in the team.
Ultimately, though, the fee that the former Carlisle United man would bring in could be put to good use. There are certainly areas of this Everton squad in need of significant investment. The sale of Branthwaite could go some way towards funding these required upgrades.
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