EXCLUSIVE: Jarrad Branthwaite has been a key player in the Toffees’ struggle to survive, and the defender could soon be called up to the England squad.
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Jarrad Branthwaite, a highly-rated center-back, has a price tag of £100 million set by Everton, which is intended to put off potential suitors like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
Branthwaite has been fantastic for Everton this season, and as the Toffees have erased the Premier League’s 10-point deduction, his play has put him on the verge of an England breakthrough.
He played a significant role in the team’s four straight league clean sheets and looked comfortable playing at left defense on Tuesday when Fulham defeated them in the Carabao Cup on penalties.
Branthwaite is a “Rolls Royce defender who has everything,” according to a recruitment insider, and they predict he will be a regular for England for many years to come. Earlier this month, Gareth Southgate was at Goodison Park watching Branthwaite shine in a 2-0 victory over Chelsea, setting up a probable call-up for the spring internationals.
The 21-year-old has, as expected, drawn interest due to his performance; it is believed that Manchester United and Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund have both recently scouted him. Tottenham has also continued to keep a close eye on things.
However, I can disclose that Everton has valued Branthwaite at £100 million, surpassing the £77 million Manchester City paid for Croatian international Josko Gvardiol in the summer transfer window. This would be a record transfer for a defender.
It also demonstrates Everton’s determination to cling onto the center back, as sources have informed me that despite the uncertainties surrounding their ownership, the club is not under any pressure to offload their prize asset in January.
The Toffees think Branthwaite’s price is significantly higher because of his age, skill, left-sided center-back status, and probable future international career with England.
In addition, they would have the right to bring up the recent prices paid for young English talent and the fact that Branthwaite is bound by a long-term contract that was signed in October. He is believed to be content at the club and has a deal that runs until 2027.
Any prospective suitor would also need to account for an additional problem. Branthwaite’s 10% sell-on clause, which the Cumbrians agreed when he first moved from Carlisle to Everton, would need to be taken into account in any possible transfer.
The news likely rules out any sale in January although the uncertainty over Everton’s ownership means the next transfer window is a difficult one to call at Goodison Park.
