Joe Thomas of the Liverpool Echo is reporting that Everton have opened talks with defender Jarrad Branthwaite about a new contract.
The centerback's current contract includes one more club option for 2026, but with Branthwaite establishing himself as one the Premier League's top young players, the club has decided to engage with the England international about further his time at the club.
There have been a flurry of rumors surrounding Branthwaite for two summers now, with teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur calling Everton about their interest in selling. After a few embarrassing offers from United last summer, the Toffees elected to keep Branthwaite for the 2024/25 campaign.
After a slow start due to injury, the centerback was his usual reliable self for most of the season, prompting more rumors around a potential departure. But Everton, to the club's credit, have stood firm in their desire to keep Branthwaite on Merseyside, while the player appears to be happy at the club.
And so it makes sense for both sides to lock down an extended contract.
For the club, they get greater control over the player's long-term future and how much they could ask for him if teams come calling again in the coming years.
For Branthwaite, he will have the comfort that a long-term deal affords a player, so if he remains with Everton, he can know what his financials will look like and where he'll ply his trade.
It's good news all around, provided the deal works out. Everton are clearly looking to the future and should be commended for it. They're also establishing a new culture where the so-called top-6 can't pressure the club to sell top players for pennies on the dollar. It's truly good to see.