Everton in Talks with Jarrad Branthwaite Ahead of 2025 Season

Alright, let’s cut the fluff and talk real for a sec.

Everton and Jarrad Branthwaite are basically locked in this high-stakes dance about his next contract. Lotta moving parts here defense is shaky, the club’s got new owners sniffing around, and money’s tighter than skinny jeans at a punk show. Branthwaite’s next move? Kinda huge, honestly.

 So, what’s up with Branthwaite’s deal?!

The dude only signed a fresh contract in October 2023, keeping him at Everton till summer 2027, with a cheeky option to stretch it another year. He’d just won Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year bit of a flex, not gonna lie. Fast forward to March 2025, and the new bigwigs (The Friedkin Group) come in, apparently ready to sling £100k a week at him. Not bad, considering he’s on like £35k right now. That’s “buy a house for your dog” money.

Why lock him down? (Besides the obvious).

1. Defensive Stability Finally!

Branthwaite and Tarkowski have been a proper wall at the back. Only one league loss when those two start together. If you’re about to move into a shiny new stadium and shake up the squad, you kinda need a solid spine. Branthwaite’s that guy.

2. Rising Star = Ka-ching!

Let’s be real, he’s Everton’s prized asset. Been out on loan, played with the big boys, getting noticed by England. If you extend now, you can name your price when the vultures (looking at you, United and Madrid) circle. Wait too long, and you’re the one getting fleeced.

3. Statement of Intent!

Paying the lad top dollar (think £200k/week, which, wow) tells everyone: “We’re not a mess anymore.” New owners, new era, no more Moshiri madness. The fans want to see that, trust me.

But, like, what could go wrong?

 1. Money Pit Alert!

Everton’s already paying out more wages than most clubs can dream of, and the accountants aren’t happy. Premier League is cracking down on clubs spending like there’s no tomorrow. Chucking a huge wage at Branthwaite could make things even dicier.

 2. Release Clause Shenanigans!

If there’s a release clause, sure, you get a guaranteed fee if he bounces. But it also means he could leave sooner than you want, especially if the offer is right. And if he stays too long, maybe his stock drops. It’s a gamble, like betting your rent money on a last-minute goal.

3. Timing Is Everything!

Drag your feet and you risk him running down his deal or losing form. That’s how you end up selling for peanuts instead of a king’s ransom. As Bryan King put it, earlier is better. Don’t let him coast to 2027, or you’ll regret it.

TL;DR: Weighing It Up!

| What’s at Stake | Pro? | Con? |
|———————–|——-|———————-|
| Squad Stability | | |
| Player Value | | if you wait |
| Fan/Owner Message | | |
| Wage Costs | | Super pricey |
| Player’s Ambition | | Might want out |

Bottom line? If Everton play this smart, they get their defensive anchor locked in and send a message that the circus is over. But go crazy with the wages, and the whole thing could blow up in their faces—financially, at least. Gotta find that sweet spot: keep Branthwaite happy, keep the books balanced, and make sure you’ve got a way out if Real Madrid come calling with a suitcase full of cash.

If they get this right, Branthwaite could be the poster boy for a new Everton. Mess it up, and we’re back to square one—either losing him for cheap or stuck paying “superstar” wages for a guy who’s halfway out the door. No pressure, lads.

Thanks a bunch for reading!