Jarrad Branthwaite has officially signed a new contract with Everton, extending his stay at Goodison Park until 2030. The 23-year-old defender, who had been the subject of ongoing transfer speculation for the past year, has now put an end to the uncertainty by agreeing fresh terms.
Last summer, Manchester United made two separate bids for the England international, offering £35 million initially, and later returning with a proposal worth £45 million plus additional clauses. Both approaches were turned down by the Merseyside club, who remained firm on their valuation.
Although there had been a sense at one point that the club might be open to letting Branthwaite go for the right price, that stance gradually shifted. Under new ownership by the Friedkin Group, the message to interested teams became clear—Branthwaite would not be sold.
Moyes and ownership back Branthwaite’s importance
Everton manager David Moyes has consistently spoken of his desire to retain the talented centre back. Back in April, he responded to questions about Branthwaite’s future by underlining the club’s strong position, noting that the player was still under a multi-year deal, which included an option for an extra season.
Moyes acknowledged the reality that clubs like Everton often have to part with top players to progress, referencing past departures such as Wayne Rooney, Mikel Arteta, and Joleon Lescott. Still, he emphasized that Branthwaite was not someone he would willingly part with.
The new agreement is expected to place Branthwaite among the club’s top earners and highlights the regard in which he is held by both the management and ownership.
Bright future for defender and club alike
Branthwaite has steadily developed since joining Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020. He has amassed 86 appearances for the club, including loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, and earned his first England senior cap last summer.
Standing at 6ft 5in, the defender has become a mainstay in Everton’s backline. Securing his services on a long-term deal sends a strong signal about the club’s ambitions as they prepare to enter a new era.
Following a strong finish to the recent campaign and with their long-anticipated stadium move set to be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season, Everton are building momentum—both on and off the pitch—with Branthwaite playing a central role in their plans moving forward.
