Jarrad Branthwaite looks set to be a defender in demand this summer with the Everton centre-back having turned the heads of Europe’s top clubs.
The 21-year-old helped Everton secure their Premier League status for another season with the fourth-best defensive record in the division, forming a solid partnership with James Tarkowski at Goodison Park.
Tall, two-footed, and a brilliant reader of the game, Branthwaite has been included in the provisional England squad for this summer’s European Championship and a strong tournament could see his price rocket. As we near the opening of the transfer window, we’ve looked at the clubs deemed favourites for the centre-back’s signature. For those interested in the latest football odds and free spins with no deposit, here are the five favourites to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
Tottenham – 14/1
Ange Postecoglou is preparing for the second stage of his rebuild at Spurs and the North Londoners continue to be linked with a move for Branthwaite. Despite the additions of Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin to the defensive ranks in recent windows, Spurs could look to sign another central defender with Joe Rodon, Japhet Tanganga and Ben Davies all likely to move on.
Despite impressive individual seasons from Van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Spurs conceded 61 goals in the Premier League in 2023/24, more than Everton and Crystal Palace, and more than double the 29 goals conceded by North London rivals Arsenal.
Branthwaite would also improve the club’s homegrown quota which has declined of late, though would be expected to cost in excess of the £55m paid for club-record signing Tanguy Ndomble.
The best of Jarrad Branthwaite in 2023/24 ????
A superb campaign from our Young Player of the Season. ???? pic.twitter.com/6H27Xox5fQ
— Everton (@Everton) May 23, 2024
Chelsea – 10/1
Chelsea’s recruitment in recent windows has focused on bringing in the best available young talent. The Blues have set spending records (with mixed success) on signing emerging stars in an attempt to safe-guard the club’s long-term future.
Branthwaite could be the next English youngster to head to Stamford Bridge after the additions of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka in recent windows.
Thiago Silva’s exit leaves a void to fill at centre-back, with Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi having failed to fully convince since their arrivals from Ligue 1.
Real Madrid – 6/1
Real Madrid has been mentioned as a potential destination for Branthwaite, with the defender having signed for Everton during Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti handed Branthwaite his debut for the Toffees and will have kept a close eye on his progress this season, as the 21-year-old has become a Premier League regular after returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.
Real Madrid have been short of defensive cover this season after long-term injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba, while long-serving defender Nacho has decided to call time on his career with the club with the 34-year-old expected to complete a free transfer move to MLS.
Tackle, stare, chest bump.
Cold from @Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite ???? pic.twitter.com/gCaTOULdcA
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 28, 2024
Having had success in recruiting Jude Bellingham last summer, the Spaniards might be keen on bringing another English gem to the Bernabeu.
Manchester City – 6/1
Manchester City are regarded as second-favourites to sign Branthwaite despite a depth of central defensive options at the Etihad.
Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol represent left-sided centre-back options for Pep Guardiola, though the talent of Branthwaite will have earned admirers at the Etihad.
The 6ft 5in defender is comfortable off either foot and ranked among the Premier League’s top performances this season for clearances (6th), interceptions (7th) and dribblers tackled (8th).
The Citizens signed John Stones from Everton eight years ago to great success and there are similarities between the England international and Branthwaite in terms of career path and progress to date.
Manchester United – 5/6
Manchester United are the favourites to sign Branthwaite with the defender understood to feature highly on the club’s summer wish list.
Centre-back has been an area of concern for Erik ten Hag’s team this season with Lisandro Martinez sidelined for much of the campaign Raphael Varane’s exit from the club has already been confirmed with the Frenchman’s contract to expire next month, while doubts remain over the futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
United’s new minority owners, Ineos, have begun to restructure the hierarchy and attention will soon turn to a squad overhaul. At least two new centre-backs will be targeted asnd the Red Devils have also been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
The amount of money available to invest remains unclear after missing out on Champions League qualification, though it will be hoped further funds can be raised through player sales.
Players’ Player of the Season: Jarrad Branthwaite. ???? https://t.co/uWTORZL6F3 pic.twitter.com/LFLWtHkmSg
— Everton (@Everton) May 22, 2024
Casmeiro and Christian Eriksen could leave, alongside the confirmed departures of Varane and Anthony Martial as free agents, while Lindelöf, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Maguire – who all out of contract in 2025 – are free to depart if suitable offers arrive.
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