Everton’s summer has been overwhelmingly positive thus far, despite one or two setbacks, and for that they have Kevin Thelwell to thank.
The director of football has admittedly proven to be a revolutionary hire for the Toffees, having come in during arguably their lowest point and turned things around.
Now, this transfer window has been laden with new signings, all funded by this new self-sustaining transfer model. It’s revolutionary stuff, and has allowed Sean Dyche’s squad to look far better than it did a month ago.
However, to achieve this feat, some sacrifice was made, and Amadou Onana’s move to Aston Villa stands out as the toughest one.
It would be fair to assume that this would mark the end of any more major outgoings for Everton, but this latest update suggests otherwise…
Jarrad Branthwaite makes Everton wage demand
With news breaking earlier today, Jarrad Branthwaite’s future just took another unpredictable turn.
Having been expected to leave before the summer even began due to his immense pedigree, it has thus far just been a pitiful solo attempt from Manchester United to pry him from Goodison Park.
Despite reports suggesting his head had been turned, the 22-year-old has done little to suggest that, until this fresh claim emerged.
Noted by The Daily Mail, they write: ‘Jarrad Branthwaite is not intending to sign a new deal at Everton unless they can match the £160,000-a-week being offered by Manchester United.
‘Everton have placed a £70million valuation on the centre back and rejected two bids from United with the last offer being £50m.
‘The 22-year-old still has three years left on his current contract, understood to be worth around £70,000-a-week, but Everton are ready to offer new terms to reflect his worth to Sean Dyche’s team.’
Is Jarrad Branthwaite worth that much to Everton?
Whilst it might seem lofty, it is worth considering whether Branthwaite is worth that much to Everton.
After all, the England international is a huge cog in Dyche’s team, and was paramount in their solidity throughout the most recent Premier League season.
Standing at 6 foot 5, but with speed and grace too, he is a physical marvel with the ability to hit pinpoint long balls and progress the play.
He deserves to be Everton’s top earner due to his quality and consistency, even if he has spent only one full season with the first team, but by giving in to his £160k-a-week demands, it could destroy everything.
Thelwell has worked so hard to turn this club into a sustainable one at last, with their high-earners slowly departing and being replaced by more moderate alternatives.
At present, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jordan Pickford remain the top earners on £130k and £125k-a-week respectively, and are both at the latter ends of their careers.
To completely shatter that by £30k-a-week for such a youngster would likely frustrate the entire squad and derail the renewed wage structure that promotes intelligent business.
As much as they want him to stay, Everton cannot be held to ransom.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
