In a recent report, The Daily Mail claimed that Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is gathering interest from Manchester. It has been mentioned that both Manchester United and Manchester City are eyeing a move to sign the English centre-back from the Toffees next year.
Branthwaite’s Impressive Form At Merseyside This Season
Branthwaite has served as a valuable member of Everton’s match-day squad this season as he has put in a few solid displays for the Toffees on the defensive end of the pitch. The English sensation has participated in six matches for the Toffees during this campaign across multiple competitions.
The 21-year-old has given a good account of himself inside his half based on his average of 2.2 tackles, 2.0 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per game in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from the back after making 83.3% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Merseyside club will run out in the summer of 2025. Hence, there is no immediate need for Everton to cash in on Branthwaite this winter or at the end of this season.
Can Everton Boss Sean Dyche Afford To Lose Branthwaite?
Branthwaite is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn possession back for his side inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when needed and can use his strong 1.95m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air.
The English defensive ace is only going to get better with each season. Hence, Sean Dyche simply cannot afford to lose him this January or at the end of this campaign.
Everton would be better off keeping hold of Branthwaite’s services for the long run as he could grow into a future star at Goodison Park. At 21, he has the potential to become a world-class player in his position someday. Thus, Everton should think about retaining him for the long run.
Branthwaite has already gotten enough Premier League experience by now and could be a real leader in Dyche’s dressing room as long as the Everton manager continues to put his faith in him over the next few years.
