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Tottenham are pursuing a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Tottenham Hotspur are set to be in the market for several new players this summer.
The Lilywhites endured a catastrophic domestic 2024/25 campaign but managed to salvage it by winning the Europa League trophy. By doing so, they also joined their Premier League rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United to qualify for the Champions League.
That could open the door for Spurs to show more ambition in the transfer market, with the Champions League traditionally a hugely attractive proposition for ambitious players. Ange Postecoglou had to deal with an injury crisis this past campaign, especially in defence.
First-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven spent majority of the campaign on the sidelines with injury issues, resulting in lack of stability and leadership at the back. Their back-up Radu Dragusin sustained an ACL rupture in February, while Kevin Danso, whose loan move from RC Lens became permanent at the start of June, also was out for over a month with a hamstring issue.
Thus, the centre-back is an area of the squad that Tottenham look likely to strengthen in the summer transfer window. Now, according to a report from The Times, Tottenham are considering a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Rated as one of the Premier League’s brightest young central defenders, Jarrad Branthwaite blew hot and cold during the 2024/25 season but managed to play a vital role in the impressive turnaround overseen by David Moyes from January. The Toffees finished 13th in the table and played some eye-catching brand of football in Moyes’ fifth months at the helm following his return to Goodison Park.
However, the Scottish tactician now has a fight on his hands to keep hold of Branthwaite. Ideally, Everton remain in good position as far as the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) is concerned, and with the 22-year-old Englishman under contract until 2027 with the club having the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months (Transfermarkt), they are set to demand a substantial fee for his services this summer.
Tottenham’s transfer kitty has been boosted by their return to the Champions League after a three-year hiatus, so they should not have problems to spend big to address a problematic area of the squad. At 22, Branthwaite appears to be the current and future of the England squad and would enhance Spurs’ defensive options. He is a tall, strong and physically intimidating defender with good technical ability on the ball, whilst can operate as a left-back when required.
With Van de Ven yet to prove his fitness across two seasons in North London, the left-footed Branthwaite would be a strong option to compete and provide cover for the Dutchman next season. Tottenham need a better and bigger squad to deal with the challenges of Champions League next term, and the acquisition of Everton’s rising star would be a smart one.
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