Everton have had few reasons to be cheerful over the past couple of seasons amid relegation battles, punishments for falling foul of Premier League financial rules, a draining takeover saga and a long wait for a new stadium.
One undoubted positive, though, has been the emergence of Jarrad Branthwaite.
The defender has spent a little over four years at Goodison Park but has already established himself as arguably their most important player. He missed only three league games in 2023/24, forming a solid partnership alongside the experienced James Tarkowski, as Sean Dyche's side managed to secure survival, despite points deductions and some worrying runs of form.
Now, Everton could face a battle to keep him. Manchester United have long been linked with a bid and, according to reports in mid June, the Red Devils began negotiations with the Toffees and were close to agreeing personal terms with the player. While it seems that deal has now stalled — United have brought in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, meaning space in the squad would have to be made via player sales if Branthwaite is to be signed this month — it certainly feels as though the player could move on at some stage in the coming year.
Indeed, he could potentially make what a move that would break the hearts of Everton fans. Reports emerged on August 18 that Liverpool could attempt to sign Branthwaite before the close of the transfer window.
So, who is Branthwaite, what makes him so good, and could he go to Liverpool or Man United? The Sporting News takes a look.
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Who is Jarrad Branthwaite? Position, career of Everton star
Branthwaite plays as a left-sided centre-back for Premier League club Everton. Born on June 27, 2002, he turned 22 years old midway through Euro 2024.
Branthwaite was born in Wigton, Cumbria, close to England's Lake District. He joined the youth system of Football League Club Carlisle United at the age of eight and spent all his developmental career at the club before signing his first professional contract in February 2019.
After making a breakthrough for the first team in League Two in the 2019/20 season, Branthwaite was signed by Everton in January 2020 for a reported fee of just £750,000 ($975,000). His Premier League debut came in July during that COVID-disrupted season, as he came off the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Wolves.
Branthwaite was loaned to Blackburn Rovers in 2020/21 but only made 10 Championship appearances. He spent a far more productive time at PSV in 2022/23, playing 36 games in all competitions for the Dutch side and winning the 2023 domestic cup, despite scoring an own goal in the final against Ajax.
Branthwaite returned to Everton for 2023/24 and was installed as a first-choice centre-back alongside James Tarkowski, making 41 appearances in all competitions. He was voted Everton's Players' Player and Young Player of the Season.
Where does Jarrad Branthwaite play?
Branthwaite is a central defender. At Everton, he has customarily played as one of two centre-backs, usually alongside James Tarkowski.
At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Branthwaite is an uncompromising defender: strong, reasonably quick, and never one to shy away from a robust challenge. Only three defenders, Tarkowski among them, made more blocks than Branthwaite's 36 in the Premier League last season, while only four made more headed clearances than his 82.
He also boasted the best passing accuracy (80 percent) of any of Everton's first-choice defenders. While that figure was not close to the best performers in the league as a whole, the fact Branthwaite was able to distribute the ball most effectively of any defender in Everton's rather pragmatic playing style shows his distribution is solid.
Branthwaite also poses a goal threat. He scored three league goals last season, including an impressive strike with his stronger left foot against Brighton & Hove Albion, and in the Merseyside derby win over Everton in April 2024.
Will Jarrad Branthwaite sign for Man United or Liverpool?
Man United have been linked with Branthwaite for some time and speculation increased in mid June that a transfer could happen soon.
It was reported in the U.K. that United had agreed personal terms with the player and would now begin negotiations with Everton over a transfer fee. The Guardian said United's initial offer of £45 million ($57 million) inclusive of add-ons, was expected to be rejected.
Everton's asking price is said to be closer to a minimum of £70m ($88.7m), which is beyond United's means unless they can sell players to raise funds. Indeed, on June 15, the Mirror reported that the Red Devils would be prepared to walk away from talks if the Toffees did not reduce their demands.
In the end, United turned to alternative targets and signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt. However, it feels like this is a deal that could be resurrected, perhaps in the January window. Should United chose to sell one of Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire, they would have the squad space to go back in for Branthwaite.
However, it appears they may have competition from an unlikely source. Surprise reports began to emerge that Liverpool could attempt to sign the defender before the end of the transfer window in August 2024. Oddsmakers priced the move at just 2/1 (+200) on August 18, much to the despair of Everton fans, for whom seeing a star player move to their hated city rivals would be difficult to stomach.
Does Jarrad Branthwaite play for England?
Branthwaite played for England at youth level, beginning with the Under-19 side. He earned his first senior call-up in March 2024 and made his debut as a substitute in the 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in June.
Having been part of Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for Euro 2024, Branthwaite was omitted from the final 26-man roster.
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Jarrad Branthwaite FC 24
In the EA FC 24 video game, Branthwaite has an overall rating of 78 and a potential of 87 as a LCB.
He has a medium/high work rate and ranks highly for Defending and Physicality attributes. He boasts a speciality as an aerial threat and has a five-star Weak Foot rating.