Everton reveal stance on Man United’s interest in £70m star – Report | OneFootball

Everton stance on Branthwaite hardens

Credit to TeamTalk for reporting that Everton have issued a firm verdict on Jarrad Branthwaite’s future. Their sources indicate he is not leaving in January, with one line particularly telling: “he’s going nowhere in January”. For all the noise around Manchester United, and others monitoring, that message lands like a tactical clearance deep into the stands. No hesitation, no doubt.

The context matters. Branthwaite has not played in three months, yet the conversation around his value continues to grow. Everton appear unmoved. Internal confidence remains high in his long term potential, a sentiment backed by the decision to secure a new contract in July. As the report states, “Everton view Branthwaite as the cornerstone of their defensive rebuild”.

Moyes’ plan centred on youth anchor

David Moyes sees the England international as the spine of future plans. The article notes he has publicly made Branthwaite “untouchable”. It is a stance that reflects not only the defender’s on pitch attributes but also a cultural vision. Moyes is assembling foundations, not patchwork.

Photo: IMAGO

Sources add that the contract renewal was viewed as the most important business of the summer. This fits the mindset of a club protecting its assets, particularly one aware of past criticism regarding player retention and talent development.

Valuation signals intent

Speculation around a release clause remains unresolved, with TeamTalk commenting that “no credible sources have verified its existence”. What is clear is the valuation: “£70million or more”. At that level, conversations are effectively limited to clubs prepared to stake transformative funds on a centre back who has already turned heads across the division.

Manchester United’s bids in summer 2024, all rejected, underline that interest has history. Everton, though, are positioning firmly. Recruitment and retention in this era often involve strategic brinkmanship. Here, Everton want to remove the brink entirely.

Focus on recovery and contribution

Branthwaite’s next steps are straightforward. Rehabilitation, returning to fitness and rewarding faith. The article signals an internal patience, highlighting that “Everton’s faith in him remains unshaken”. Once he steps back into the Hill Dickinson Stadium spotlight, expectation will follow. The emphasis will be consistency, leadership and continuation of the promise that pushed his valuation past the £70m mark.

In an increasingly volatile winter market, Everton sound increasingly settled. Their line remains: “no distractions, no departures”. January will test many clubs, however this appears one story where the chapter has been pre written.

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From an Everton perspective, this feels like the type of noise we have learned to tune out over the years. When you have a player this valuable, both financially and on the pitch, rivals hover. United made their interest plain last summer, and they will likely come again, but Everton fans, for once, can take confidence in assertive leadership. You do not commit to a new contract and improved terms just to fold six months later.

There will be some cynicism across the fanbase. We have seen talent depart before, often under financial strain. We have also watched the club rebuild and reset more times than we care to count. Still, this stance feels different. Moyes has always valued structure and defensive certainty, and Branthwaite fits that blueprint better than any young centre half we have produced since John Stones.

The key question is whether Everton can match the ambition of keeping him with the performances to justify such a foundation. If the team is stabilised, and Branthwaite becomes the heartbeat of a defence pushing upward, the strategy makes sense. If results falter, pressure grows, and £70m is £70m.

For now, though, supporters can enjoy something rare: clarity, conviction and a rising star who looks committed to building something here, not elsewhere.