Everton defender pens new long-term contract in show of intent | OneFootball

Branthwaite Signs New 5-Year Deal as Everton Make Statement of Intent

Everton Look to Future with Key Contract Commitment

In a summer of flux at Goodison Park, there is finally clarity over one of Everton’s most prized assets. Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year deal with the club, a move that marks both a show of faith in the player and a declaration of Everton’s ambitions under their new ownership.

As confirmed by the club, the 23-year-old centre-back has committed his future to the Blues until 2030. This fresh agreement replaces a previous contract that ran until 2027, with an option for a further year. But with interest swirling and Manchester United having already tested Everton’s resolve with bids of £35 million and £45 million plus add-ons, the new terms serve a greater purpose, they assert that Branthwaite is integral to the club’s plans.

Moyes and Friedkin Group Align on Vision

Everton’s decision to hold firm on Branthwaite is not isolated. It is part of a broader strategy from The Friedkin Group, who assumed control of the club earlier this year. The message from the hierarchy has been consistent: Everton’s best talents are no longer available for easy purchase.

Photo IMAGO

As head coach David Moyes stated back in April, “We hold all the cards.” That line was not rhetorical. The contract extension reaffirms it. TFG made it clear to potential suitors that Branthwaite was not for sale, a stance reinforced by the timing of this announcement.

Player Reflects on Journey and Excitement Ahead

Branthwaite’s words to evertontv reveal a player who feels valued and ambitious. “I’m over the moon,” he said. “It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.”

He added: “I know the club. I feel loved by the players, we’ve got a good group here and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project and it’s something I want to be part of.”

Photo: IMAGO

It is easy to forget Branthwaite only arrived at Everton in 2020 from Carlisle United as a teenager. After loan spells at Blackburn and PSV Eindhoven, he now stands as a mainstay in the Everton backline, having made 86 senior appearances, including 33 last season.

Club Sends Clear Signal Amid Squad Planning

The extension of Branthwaite’s contract also places Everton in a stronger position as they approach other renewal negotiations. Talks are progressing with Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye, while a move for Villarreal forward Thierno Barry is nearing completion.

What this means for others entering the final year of their deals — such as James Tarkowski, James Garner and Vitalii Mykolenko — remains to be seen. But Branthwaite’s new deal is symbolic. As Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland noted, “They want to build around Branthwaite and see his retention in the face of interest as a show of intent.”