Jarrad Branthwaite, the promising 23-year-old centre-back, has committed his future to Everton by signing a new five-year contract, extending his stay at the club until June 2030. This significant development comes at a pivotal moment for Everton as they prepare for a period of transformation, including their move from the historic Goodison Park to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, alongside changes in ownership and management.
Branthwaite’s journey at Everton began in January 2020 when he transferred from his boyhood club Carlisle United. After loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, where he gained valuable experience, he established himself as a key figure in Everton’s defence. Over the past two seasons, Branthwaite has been integral to the team’s defensive solidity, contributing to Everton achieving one of the best defensive records in the Premier League. The club has conceded only 95 goals since the start of the 2023-24 season and kept 25 clean sheets, a tally only surpassed by Manchester City and Arsenal.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Branthwaite was named Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for 2023-24 and retained the Young Player of the Season award for 2024-25, securing 89% of the fan vote. His towering presence at 6ft 5in and composed defensive skills have drawn interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City. Notably, Manchester United made substantial offers last year—£35 million and a £45 million-plus add-ons bid—which Everton decisively rejected, underscoring the club’s determination to keep their rising star.
Branthwaite himself expressed immense satisfaction and excitement about signing the new contract. Speaking to EvertonTV, he said,
“I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about. The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.”
He also highlighted his connection with the club, teammates, and fans, emphasizing the thrilling prospects ahead with the new stadium, fresh ownership under The Friedkin Group, and manager David Moyes at the helm.
The contract renewal is a testament to Everton’s strategic vision under their new leadership, signaling their intent to build a competitive team around young talents like Branthwaite. The club’s management, including CEO Angus Kinnear and head of player trading Nick Hammond, played crucial roles in securing the defender’s commitment despite intense interest from other clubs. This move sends a strong message that Everton is focused on stability and growth rather than selling key assets amid their ongoing rebuilding phase.
As Everton prepares to welcome striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal for a reported fee of around £32.6 million, Branthwaite’s contract extension complement the club’s ambition to strengthen both defence and attack. The upcoming season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium is highly anticipated by players and fans alike, with Branthwaite eager to be a central figure in this new chapter.
In conclusion, Jarrad Branthwaite’s new five-year contract with Everton not only secures the future of one of the Premier League’s most talented young defenders but also symbolizes the club’s commitment to a long-term project of resurgence and success. His development from a youth prospect to a cornerstone of Everton’s defence reflects both his individual dedication and the club’s faith in nurturing homegrown talent amidst a transformative era.