Manchester United will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcement as their left center back target has decided to remain at his current club.
Softfootball can confirm that Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his long-term future to Everton by signing a new five-year contract to keep him at Merseyside until the end of June 2030.
Branthwaite has been a mainstay for the Toffees backline for the past two seasons and his strong gave David Moyes side the fourth-best defensive record in England’s top flight last season.
Branthwaite claimed back to back Young Player of the Season award with 89 per cent of the fan vote and was named the Club’s Players’ Player of the Season.
Speaking to the clubs official website, he said: “I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.
“The trust the Club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.
“I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them.
“And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project and it’s something I want to be part of.
“Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”
An absolutely delightful Coach David Moyes said: “We’re delighted Jarrad has committed his future to us. He is still only 23 and his best years are hopefully still ahead of him.
“We believe he can have a huge role to play in an exciting new era at the Football Club.”
Softfootball earlier reported that Man United wanted Branthwaite last season but were blocked by Everton. The Red Devils were hoping to get attacking reinforcements first this summer before returning for the defender but the Toffees convinced the England international to pen a long-term deal.
Branthwaite will hope to maintain his form into the new season and lead Everton into Europe after finishing 13th last campaign with just 48 points.
