Everton Nears Five-Year Extension for Defender Branthwaite

Everton is close to securing a new long-term contract with key defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who currently has a deal until 2027. The new agreement, reportedly a five-year extension, will significantly increase his wages and strengthen the club's control over his future amid interest from top Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea. Everton's management, including CEO Angus Kinnear and head of player trading Nick Hammond, has prioritized retaining Branthwaite as part of the club's strategy moving into their new stadium and aiming for greater stability. The contract extension is seen as a major statement from Everton's ownership, The Friedkin Group, signaling their intention to build a competitive squad around players like Branthwaite. Meanwhile, club captain Seamus Coleman has also signed a new one-year deal, highlighting Everton's focus on maintaining experienced leadership alongside promising talent. Manager David Moyes regards Branthwaite as a central figure for Everton's defensive core, alongside James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford, emphasizing the player's importance to the club's future plans.