Everton Drop Major Hint About Future Of Star Defender Amid Heavy Transfer Speculation: Why Is He Important? | OneFootball

Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that Everton are not willing to let Jarrad Branthwaite go, even in the January transfer window. He said the club is firm in its stance that the defender is central to their plans, and any speculation about an imminent departure is misplaced.

Branthwaite’s name has often appeared in gossip columns for the last couple of years, particularly after his rapid progress for Everton and his growing association with the England setup. It is hardly surprising that Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham are monitoring him, and Liverpool were linked at one point as well.

Over the summer, Everton acted quickly by giving him a new contract that runs until 2030, a move many called one of their smartest in recent years. That decision closed the door on suitors. It also showed stability under David Moyes’ project. Everton say selling Branthwaite would weaken their defence and harm progress. The club see the defender as central to their strategy, and as O’Rourke pointed out, they have no intention of listening to offers that could unsettle their plans.

“Speculation has surrounded his future for the last couple of years, and in the summer transfer window, because he’s really impressed for Everton and been in and around the England setup.

“I’m not surprised there is interest from the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham and even Liverpool were linked with him as well.

“One of the best pieces of business Everton did over the summer was tying down Branthwaite to a new contract until 2030. It was a huge boost to ward off interest.

“Everton’s stance is that Branthwaite is not for sale, they want to keep him, he’s part of the new project and they don’t want to weaken the squad.

“I think right now Everton are planning for life with Branthwaite and wouldn’t even consider any offers for the defender in January.”

Despite the high level of interest in the centre-back, he looks certain to remain an Everton player at least until the end of the season as things stand.

Why Branthwaite Must Stay at the Heart of Everton’s Project?

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton in action during the pre-season friendly match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton at Ewood Park on July 19, 2025 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Everton needs to keep Branthwaite, especially after what he has achieved in such a short space of time. Merseyside have gone as far as to describe him as a generational talent, a player who already looks like the bedrock of Everton’s defence for the future. He showed his influence last season by helping the club achieve the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League. He earned recognition by winning both the Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards in 2023-24, before retaining the latter accolade in 2024-25.

By giving him a long-term deal, Everton made a clear statement of intent. It shows Moyes and his team want to build around proven talent instead of selling for financial relief. While a big fee could help their finances, selling him now would disrupt their progress. Keeping Branthwaite protects a valuable asset and fits their ambition to move higher up the table.

Interest from the likes of Manchester United is flattering, yet Everton’s future is stronger with him commanding their defence. Alongside that, the club remain active in transfers, with reports linking them to Sergio Reguilón and saying they face competition to sign Jack Grealish permanently, but Branthwaite’s retention remains the most important step in defining their direction.