Jarrad Branthwaite will remember this month of March 2024 for a long time. A few days ago, the 21-year-old defender was called up for the first time in the England A team. International U21 so far, the Everton player is therefore moved into the big leagues. The logical next step for the Carlisle native. A city where he was also born as a footballer since he took his first football license at Carlisle United in 2013. After completing all his classes there and starting with the pros in League Two in 2019, he was quickly spotted by the Toffees.
A winding journey
In the 2020 winter transfer window, the young defender was bought by Everton. To allow him to progress and gain playing time at the high level, he was sent on loan to Blackburn (10 matches) then to PSV Eindhoven (33 matches, 2 goals, 1 assist). This season, he is playing with the Liverpool Blues with whom he has played 31 matches in all competitions, all as a starter. Time for him to score 2 goals. Beyond the numbers and statistics, the 1m95 footballer was able to get everyone to agree.
However, it was not won at the start as Salim Baungally, specialist in English football, explains to us. “When he started at Everton, I, like many others, were very doubtful about this young man. Of course, he is tall since he measures 1m95 and that can help with certain things. But when he started we weren't really excited, even when he was loaned to Blackburn. At Everton, there were quite a few young people like that who came through, we believed in it a little and in the end it didn't happen. The best example in recent years is Tom Davies. He’s a midfielder who plays very low now in England because he never broke through.”
A nice surprise
He pursues : “I wasn't keen on Branthwaite until he was loaned to PSV last year. PSV was a breath of fresh air for him and above all a moment where he was able to play, because he played a lot, and where he was good. It was very interesting. He scored key goals. Well he also scored a CSC in the Dutch Cup but it was anecdotal. He returned to Everton with this status of player which was interesting in an important club in the Netherlands. He was not a starter at Everton at the start (he was on the bench for the first two days) but he was on the bench very quickly this season so as not to lose his place again.
Salim Baungally concludes: “its size is a key element today. Defensively and offensively it is already an important element. Beyond its size, it is very precise. Its speed also means that it can compensate for an error or delay. This speed counts in football, particularly in English football. He is rather interesting in duels even if he is still a little fragile in my opinion. He's not 100% yet. He's lanky but he's not the strongest guy. So that’s what he needs to work on. But his speed is very interesting, which makes him an essential element and a player desired by many clubs.
The Toffees' new golden goose
In England, the Mirror assures that Manchester City is very interested in the young Englishman to prepare for the future. Manchester United, which wants to renew its defense, Tottenham and Arsenal are also cited as points of departure. Abroad, Branthwaite's profile is also closely scrutinized. Especially in Madrid. There, the Merengues are on the spot, they who were advised by Carlo Ancelotti. The Mister noticed the young defender when he was playing for the Toffees. So he slipped his name. Moreover, the residents of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium would be willing to drop €25 million.
But Everton will be much more greedy. Besides the competition, the Toffees, who have some financial concerns, will not sell off their talent. An opinion shared by the English football specialist. “I remind you that he extended his contract until 2027 not very long ago. So clubs that want it must buy the last three years of the contract. Everton understands that this player is worth gold.” According to the specialized site transfermarkt, its market value is estimated today at €30 million. But City, Real Madrid and others can already prepare to pay more. The English press mentions an amount close to £80M, or around €93.3M. The race for his signature is on!
