The ‘one condition’ that would make Everton sell Jarrad Branthwaite in January
Following years of humiliation and being thrown down the league table, Everton appeared to have stabilized as a team destined to always fight their way back up.
When Farhad Moshiri entered the race in 2016, no Evertonian could have predicted this reality because his enormous wealth was expected to bring about an era of growth rather than decline.
After eking out two of the previous two campaigns by a combined four points, something had to give.
Instead of bringing in high-profile coaches with no long-term strategy in mind, the Iranian billionaire finally followed his director of football’s advise and let Kevin Thelwell to bring in Sean Dyche as their newest head coach.
It’s fair to say that this is a move that has drastically altered the trajectory of the club.
Recognising their weaknesses, the 52-year-old has gone about transforming the Toffees, and nearly 12 months on they are a completely revitalised side nowadays, laden with quality, confidence and solidity.
Much of the latter is owed to Jarrad Branthwaite’s stunning displays, which have understandably drawn outside interest.
Will Everton have to sell Jarrad Branthwaite?
Whilst Everton will try to remain firm on their £75m stance, TeamTALK have now revealed the ‘one condition’ that would make them sell.
They write: ‘Everton are viewing deals such as the £75million package agreed to bring Wesley Fofana to Chelsea from Leicester City as an example of the price they hope to secure for the England under-21 international. That means it will be a very difficult deal to do in the upcoming window.
There is the possibility that a large bid does land in the coming weeks and that would force the club into a difficult decision. A big sale would allow them to fund incomings and help with FFP.’
How good has Jarrad Branthwaite been for Everton this season?
It feels like English football is still only just waking up to Branthwaite’s talents, that of which Everton have been aware of for a few years now.
His starring loan spell last term with PSV Eindhoven offered a mere glimpse into his potential, but few likely expected him to grow into such an imperative first-team figure with such speed.
Given that he has now started 14 Premier League games, it is a credit to his caliber that there was some confusion over his potential replacement during his most recent ban.
Few players in the league could, after all, record 2.1 tackles, 5.1 clearances, and 6.9 ball recoveries per game—a feat made possible by his youth—according to Sofascore.
One of the pillars around which Dyche’s success has been constructed is his collaboration with James Tarkowski; in October, writer Lewis Steele referred to the two as a “brick wall.”
That backline would be severely weakened if the £35k-per-week teenager were removed, but given the reported amount, it would be difficult to turn down a deal that would help Everton’s struggling finances get back on track.
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