Everton’s start to the season has been less than ideal for Sean Dyche, but with points now on the board, there is hope that they can begin to climb up the Premier League table.
Four straight defeats to open the campaign inevitably brought scrutiny and frustration from the Goodison Park faithful, leaving Dyche under pressure.
Such a poor start was always going to raise questions about his future, and while criticism may be justified to an extent, some of the calls for his departure have been rather harsh.
After all, Dyche did admirable work in keeping Everton in the Premier League last season, and given the club’s limited resources and persistent injury problems, it’s hard to see who could do a significantly better job.
The manager has been dealt a tough hand, particularly with the spate of injuries that disrupted his plans at the start of the season. One absence, in particular, has been felt more keenly than others—that of Jarrad Branthwaite.
Jarrad Branthwaite contract update:
Branthwaite’s importance to Everton’s backline cannot be overstated. The 22-year-old centre-back offers a rare combination of pace, physicality, intelligence, and distribution skills, making him a vital cog in Dyche’s defensive setup. His absence has left a huge void, one that no other player in the squad is capable of filling.
This is why Everton are desperate to secure Branthwaite’s long-term future amid ongoing speculation that he could leave the club. After a summer of interest from top sides, rumours persist that Branthwaite may be on the move, and recent reports haven’t offered much encouragement for the Toffees.
According to the Daily Mail, despite Everton’s recent takeover, Branthwaite is unlikely to sign a new contract, with his current deal running until 2027.
The report suggests that Everton are unable to match the £160,000-a-week wages that clubs like Manchester United, and possibly Liverpool, would be willing to offer.
They write: ‘Despite the takeover at Goodison Park, Branthwaite is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract, which expires in June 2027, with Everton unable to match the £160,000 a week that United (and probably Liverpool) would be prepared to pay him.’
Jarrad Branthwaite is too important for Everton to lose:
This development is troubling for Evertonians, as Branthwaite is seen as crucial to the club’s future. Losing him would be a significant blow, particularly with new ownership looking to stabilise and propel the club forward.
While it’s unsurprising that top clubs are interested in his services, Everton need to do everything in their power to keep hold of him for as long as possible.
The difficulty for Everton lies in balancing their desire to retain Branthwaite with the reality that his value will only decrease as his contract winds down. If they want to command a significant transfer fee, they may be forced to sell sooner rather than later.
However, Branthwaite’s impact on the pitch makes it tempting to hold on to him. His return to the side coincided with Everton’s only Premier League victory so far this season, underlining his importance to the team.
Former striker Clinton Morrison, speaking on Sky Sports, praised the defender’s influence, saying:
“Everton have defended excellent, having Branthwaite back made a big difference, him and [James] Tarkowski, the partnership has been outstanding.”
Realistically, unless Everton can find a replacement of similar quality at a reasonable price, keeping Branthwaite could be key to their hopes of climbing the table this season. For Dyche and the club, it’s a situation that demands careful consideration.