A lot of Everton eyes will be on Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
The central defender has enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2024/25, and has been a regular in the backline alongside James Tarkowski.
He has been one of the outstanding players.
Even when Everton were struggling under Sean Dyche, he, Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford were really strong at the back and kept Everton in a lot of games.
His good form has continued under David Moyes, and there is little doubt that other clubs will have been playing close attention.
Arguably, Branthwaite has the highest ceiling out of any current Everton player, and that has made him a target.
One man who’s been really impressed with Branthwaite is Pat Nevin – who also reckons there is something quite unusual about him.
- READ MORE: David Moyes says Jarrad Branthwaite trumps John Stones in two areas from when he was at Everton
Pat Nevin surprised by one thing about Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
The hope is that Branthwaite will stay at Everton this summer.
There could be temptation for him to leave. But Evertonians would like to hope that playing in the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, and potentially turning a corner at the club under new ownership will see him stick around.
Former Everton striker Pat Nevin has been speaking about Branthwaite, and admits he is surprised and impressed by how he’s established himself as the core of the team.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “Everyone’s going to be looking. We know Manchester United were looking a while back but I wouldn’t imagine he’d go there now – why would you? I think a lot of top clubs will be interested though.
“He’s class and is already a respected but comfortable centre-back at his age and looking like the core of the team. That doesn’t happen with centre-halves, that’s weird and rather unusual.
“Everybody within the game knows how good he is and how good he’s going to be. It’s a tough one for Everton. The upside is, if he does go, then big Jake (O’Brien) might have to move in there and there will be money that will secure Everton’s position.”
Why Branthwaite should choose Everton over Manchester United transfer
One club who admire Branthwaite are Manchester United, and it may well be that they come calling this summer.
But Everton don’t want to sell, and the decision should be easy for Branthwaite.
While United remain a huge club with a massive global following, it is no longer the sporting project it was once.
The Red Devils have been in disarray for years, and have shown no signs of competing for titles.
They can offer big wages which may tempt Branthwaite.
But Everton are a club on the up, and exciting times lie ahead with the new stadium and new owners.
Branthwaite has nailed down his place for Everton, is adored by fans and could potentially become captain of the club in the coming years. Surely these are reasons enough to not leave this summer.
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