🚨 BREAKING 🚨: Branthwaite’s Stellar Rise! From Academy Sensation to England U-21 Star, Everton’s Future Brightens! ⚽🌟”
Jarrad Branthwaite proves undisputed role for Everton after England Under-21 performances, he’s now impossible for Sean Dyche to axe
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has undergone a swift upward trajectory already this season and his performances for the England Under-21s have only gone and proven Sean Dyche’s decision to make him a worthy Goodison Park regular.
The Toffees confirmed on their official website on 6 October that the academy sensation penned a four-year deal at Goodison Park with the option to extend it by a further year should both parties wish to do so.
Everton were certainly growing fearful after the talented 21-year-old had attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City after his form for PSV Eindhoven last year and back on Merseyside so far this season, but his future at Goodison Park is now very much secure.
The Dutch club attempted to sign the 21-year-old permanently before he came back to Goodison Park, while there was interest from Liverpool in January.
Such is Branthwaite’s extraordinary potential, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see those clubs return to the table had his contract situation not been addressed, with Dyche recently remaining tight-lipped on the situation (Liverpool Echo, 28 September).
But Everton have certainly moved quickly and astutely to tie him down to a new long-term contract and with reports from The Athletic (6 October) sharing that there is no release clause and it’s actually a five-year deal in reality.
With so much uncertainty at Goodison Park, regarding onfield and off-field matters, the Finch Farm academy graduate could well have been inclined to seek greener pastures.
However, such is his character, mentality and maturity, he’s decided to stick it out and potentially become one of the leading figures of this hopeful new Everton era.
The England under-21 international has proven every bit an Everton player with his superb and matured performances alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence so far this season, starting six of Everton’s seven matches whilst recording 1.7 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 7.8 balls recovered, 3.7 clearances, winning 61% of his total duels and excelling tremendously in the air winning 58% of his aerial duels [SofaScore].
Right now, Branthwaite is still learning his trade and coming to grips with the rigours of the Premier League but is certainly taking in those challenges like a duck to water.
And his performances at England Under-21-level have only heightened his glaring importance to both Lee Carsley and Dyche at Goodison Park, with the youngster impressing for his country on Monday night despite a 2025 Euro qualifying 3-2 defeat to Ukraine in Slovakia.
Branthwaite recorded a whopping 131 touches, successfully completing 94% of his passes, registering three clearances, winning 100% of his aerial duels (5/5) and dribbled past zero times [SofaScore].
Certainly, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow but a performance and experience which Branthwaite can take great courage in as he furthers his almighty development already this season.
An exciting crop of young English defenders are certainly bursting on the scene with real vigour and intention right now and Branthwaite is certainly amongst that prestigious list making him a certainty in Dyche first eleven at Goodison Park.
