Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been the subject of strong interest from Manchester United, has dropped the biggest hint yet that he’ll remain at Goodison Park for the upcoming season.
The 22-year-old, who was Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24 and was called up to England’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024, has been the subject of two failed offers from United, who have fallen short of the Toffees’ £70m valuation.
United have gone on to sign teenage superstar Leny Yoro from Lille, while they maintain hope of recruiting Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich – a player manager Erik ten Hag has publicly admitted to wanting.
The Red Devils remain interested in Branthwaite, but a deal is unlikely to materialise unless Everton are prepared to drop their asking price – something they have shown little inclination to do as he has three years remaining on his contract.
In a new interview posted on Everton’s club channels, Branthwaite has spoken at length about the upcoming 2024/25 season. And while he didn’t reference United’s interest in any way, his apparent enthusiasm to push on and learn from last season’s breakthrough year would suggest he’s comfortable with staying where he is for the time being.
“I think for me it’s just about taking what I learned from last season, and the season before, and putting it all together,” he said. “I think last season, playing all the games I did helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed. I’m going to take that into this season and keep learning.
“When you’ve got a good defensive record, it gives you confidence going into the new season. It’s not just the defenders who contribute to that, it’s the whole team and it’s the way the manager has us set up to give us the best possible chance to win games, and to pick up as many points as we can.
“I think it’ll be the same again this season. Hopefully, we can pick up a few wins early on and get the momentum going in the new season.”
Branthwaite also spoke of his desire to become a regular fixture in the England squad after making a ‘dream’ debut in the lead-up to Euro 2024 – a tournament he ended up missing out on after Gareth Southgate whittled his group down to 26 players for the trip to Germany.
“It’s a dream come true,” Branthwaite reflected. “I think for any young kids, growing up, to represent their country is the main objective. For me to able to do that – with my family there, as well – it was massive. Not just for me, but for all of my family and friends, as well. It was a great experience.
“I want to play for England as many times as I can. It’s about putting in performances for club out there for whoever the next England manager is going to be, and to impress them. Hopefully, I get many more opportunities.”
