- The 21-year-old has been a mainstay in Sean Dyche’s defence in recent weeks
- Branthwaite returned to the Toffees after impressing on loan in the Netherlands
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new four-year deal at Everton as the defender is rewarded for positive performances since returning from a season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven last term.
The 21-year-old, who joined the club from hometown team Carlisle United for just £1million in 2020, has been a mainstay in Sean Dyche’s back line in recent weeks alongside James Tarkowski.
Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that the defender was closing in on a new agreement and Branthwaite has now been rewarded with a new contract at Goodison Park ahead of a crunch match with Bournemouth on Saturday.
It comes after Mail Sport also revealed how Branthwaite was on Manchester United’s radar for the January transfer window as they consider a move for a new centre-back.
‘The stature of the club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing,’ said Branthwaite. ‘To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have and show how much it means to me to play for Everton.
Everton have confirmed that defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new four-year deal
Branthwaite has been a mainstay in Everton’s defence in recent weeks – producing some impressive displays
His new contract comes despite interest from Man United who considered a January move
‘Since I joined, I’ve felt a connection with the club. The fans have been really good with me. For the first game I played, the cheer I got when my name was read out just gave me massive confidence to go out there and play my best game.’
Everton host Bournemouth having lost every single home match this season in the Premier League, scoring just one goal. But Sean Dyche said on Branthwaite: ‘We made it clear that we wanted him to come back in pre-season and to do what he does in front of us.
‘Because you can only tell so much through a screen as the stories we heard were very positive. He missed a bit of pre-season, which is unfortunate, to get him up to real fitness…