6 clubs show interest in Everton youngster who will struggle for game time next season

Everton have not wasted time in getting transfer business done as James Tarkowski is set to become the first signing of the summer. Frank Lampard wanted to improve the central defence and has been successful in bringing an astute centre back to Merseyside. However, this means that without a notable centre back departure, Jarrad Branthwaite would further slip down the pecking order.

Branthwaite arrived from Carlisle in January 2020. For those who had seen the teenager play, they were sure that Everton laid their hands on one of the most promising prospects in the country. Branthwaite was thrown into the first team during the Project Restart due to injuries to Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, where he showcased his potential and put in some brilliant shifts.

Since then the Englishman has struggled for regular game time as he remained fifth choice behind Michael Keane, Mina, Holgate and Ben Godfrey. The teenager spent time on loan at Blackburn where he had a reality check that his rise to the top won’t be seamless. It was a difficult spell where he couldn’t put in a string of proper performances.

Last season too, Branthwaite remained the fifth choice centre back, playing just eight games for the first team. He signed a contract extension at the end of 2021 that will keep him at the club until 2025. With Tarkowski arriving, Branthwaite is bound to slip down the preference list.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite could leave on loan

A loan move will be the best solution for all parties as Branthwaite will get regular minutes which will aid his development and help him in the maturity process. According to Daily Mail, Branthwaite is all set for a loan move with as many as six Championship clubs interested in taking the 19 year old on loan.

There is interest from foreign clubs too. PSV and Schalke 04 are also clubs that are keen on the former Carlisle man. Sheffield United, Middlesbrough, Blackpool, Cardiff City, Sunderland and Huddersfield Town want to take the centre back for a year. The Toffees want to send him out on loan so that the 19 year old can gain first team minutes.

The defender has made just 13 appearances in two and a half years at the club and now is the right time for him to leave on a loan assignment. A move to a Championship club will prepare him better for English football as compared to a move to Germany or the Netherlands.

Which club should Jarrad Branthwaite join on a loan deal?