Everton have ‘opened talks’ with 22-year-old defender | OneFootball

Everton Begin Branthwaite Contract Talks Amid Transfer Window Interest

Everton prioritise Branthwaite renewal amid key summer rebuild

Everton have initiated talks with Jarrad Branthwaite over an improved contract, according to Liverpool Echo. The 22-year-old centre-back, already tied to the club until 2026, is viewed as integral to manager David Moyes’ plans as he leads a summer rebuild at Goodison Park.

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Despite interest from Premier League rivals, Everton are keen to reinforce Branthwaite’s status with fresh terms that better reflect his growing influence. Tottenham Hotspur, buoyed by Champions League qualification, are reportedly among the clubs monitoring the situation.

Sources close to the club confirm that negotiations are underway, with Everton optimistic they can fend off external interest following their December takeover by The Friedkin Group. The club now believes it can operate with greater financial stability and strategic clarity.

Defender’s rise signals long-term potential

Branthwaite’s stock has risen significantly since his breakthrough under Sean Dyche during the 2023/24 campaign. He formed a solid partnership with James Tarkowski and made a memorable contribution in the Merseyside derby win at Goodison Park, where he found the net in a statement performance.

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His efforts earned him a senior England call-up, though injury disrupted his momentum during the summer. Once recovered, he became central to Moyes’ defence, maintaining his importance despite managerial change.

Moyes focused on defensive foundation

With 10 senior players set to depart and uncertainty around the futures of Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Moyes is intent on safeguarding what he sees as the spine of his side.

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That foundation includes Branthwaite, Tarkowski and England No. 1 Jordan Pickford. Reinforcing that trio, both financially and symbolically, is seen as essential to avoid regression and re-establish Everton’s competitiveness in the top half of the table.

Takeover confidence key to retention efforts

Everton’s stance is also underpinned by new ownership. The Friedkin Group’s arrival has allowed the club to approach negotiations like Branthwaite’s from a position of strength, reducing the pressure to sell and instead shifting focus toward retention and consolidation.

Branthwaite’s extension would represent more than a new contract — it would be a public commitment to long-term planning and an attempt to end years of reactive, short-termism at the club.

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For Everton fans, this is precisely the kind of news they have longed for: stability. Too often in recent years, the club has appeared reactive, selling players under financial duress or after prolonged uncertainty. Opening contract talks with Branthwaite — before his deal enters its final 12 months — signals a meaningful shift.

Branthwaite has all the attributes of a future club captain. Calm under pressure, composed on the ball, and fearless in the challenge, he represents the next generation of leaders at Goodison Park. And with interest from top-four sides like Spurs, fans will be pleased that Everton are taking proactive steps to secure his future.

There’s also confidence that Moyes, with his pragmatic approach, understands the importance of building from the back. A defence anchored by Branthwaite and Tarkowski, with Pickford behind them, gives Everton a platform to build on.

It’s not just about fending off interest. It’s about setting a new tone. With The Friedkin Group’s investment and Moyes’ clarity of purpose, fans can finally believe in a more strategic era — one where keeping your best players is as important as signing new ones.