Jarrad Branthwaite next steps outlined after Everton return and Man United transfer bids

Jarrad Branthwaite next steps outlined after Everton return and Man United transfer bids

Sean Dyche said Branthwaite would not be under any additional scrutiny at Finch Farm this season following his emergence as a star centre back

Jarrad Branthwaite during an Everton training session at Finch Farm on September 24, 2024 (Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC )

Jarrad Branthwaite will not be burdened by expectations at Everton as they looks to build on the return of the talismanic centre back. The 22-year-old produced a solid display against Crystal Palace on his return to senior football after an operation on a groin issue in the summer.

His comeback was a factor in Everton’s first league win of the campaign.

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Branthwaite emerged as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe after he broke into the first team early last season and was targeted by Manchester United in the transfer window.

Everton held firm, however, and the defender’s value to the club only increased during a miserable start to the season plagued by issues at the back.

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Speaking after the win over Palace, Sean Dyche said the next step would be to get the England international “fully Premier League fit”.

The Blues boss was pleased with how his player had come through his first game back and said his condition would continue to be monitored.

Asked whether he believed Branthwaite would attract more scrutiny this season given how highly rated he now is, Dyche responded: “There will be no scrutiny from us, that’s for sure. It will still be the same messages, go and enjoy what it is, go and mature as a player by enjoying the challenge, whatever challenge that is.

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“I think the idea of maturing as a player comes from what you do every day, what you do when you’re playing and also some of the stuff we give them, some of the stuff may rub off on them but, no, I am not really overthinking that at this stage.

“The first thing is to get him fully fit and fully clear of his injuries… But, no, he’s a very good young player, still relatively young that is, certainly young in Premier League games.

“And he’s a very very good player and a talented player and I think he will mature further.”

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