It was a statement of intent five weeks in the making. Shortly after the 2024-25 season concluded, Everton accelerated their plans to retain star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite amid strong interest from England’s top clubs. Branthwaite’s commitment marks a significant early success for Everton’s new regime and signals serious ambition.
00:00It was a statement of intent five weeks in the making.
00:05Shortly after the season concluded, Everton accelerated their plans to retain star centre-back Jarrod Brantthwaite amid strong interests from England's top clubs.
00:15The 23-year-old defender had been closely watched by almost all the country's elite teams over the past year, including City rivals Liverpool.
00:24Manchester United had two-bits rejected last summer, both far below Everton's asking price of around £75m.
00:32Tottenham also made a verbal offer during the January transfer window as they dealt with injuries and sought defensive reinforcements.
00:40However, as first reported by The Athletic, Everton and new owners Freaking Group were resolute.
00:47Brantthwaite was not for sale.
00:49His firm stance sent a clear message to interested parties that the club intended to keep their prized asset.
00:57Despite having two years left on his deal signed in late 2023, Brantthwaite's salary was still closer of that of any squad player rather than a key figure.
01:07Everton recognised the need to offer him a significantly improved deal to both retain his services and keep him motivated.
01:14Negotiations were complicated by Brantthwaite's aspirations to play Champions League football and a lack of national team opportunities under England manager Thomas Tuchel.
01:26The situation changed dramatically following TFG's takeover in December, which secured Everton's financial future and removed the pressure to sell.
01:35Manager David Moyes, backed by CEO Angus Kiniar, prioritised building the team around Brantthwaite.
01:41Negotiations led by new head of trading Nick Hammond culminated in a new five-year contract, reportedly more than doubling his weekly wages to make him one of Everton's highest earners.
01:55Brantthwaite's commitment marks a significant early success for Everton's new regime and signals serious ambition.
02:02The club now face the challenges of matching his determination on the pitch and climbing the Premier League table, with their prized defender firmly at the heart of their plans.
