Jarrad Branthwaite's future is decided! England defender to stay at Everton after agreeing new contract one year on from Man Utd offer

Speculation over the youngster's future has continued to rumble on over the past 12 months. Last summer, Manchester United saw two offers, initially of £35 million ($48m) and then £45m ($61.6m) plus add-ons, rebuffed by the Toffees. Now, Everton have revealed that the 23-year-old has extended his stay until 2030.

While it seemed the club would have accepted an offer had suitors met their evaluation, the mood music around the ex-Carlisle man's future has changed steadily over the past year. Firstly, David Moyes made it clear he wants to retain the 23-year-old's services when pressed by journalists. The Friedkin Group, the club's new owners, are believed to have told chasing clubs that Branthwaite isnot for sale. The new contract should see the centre back become one of Everton's best-paid players, and is a sign of the esteem the club holds him in.

Speaking in April, David Moyes said: "Good players will always be linked with moves away, especially good young players. But you have to remember Jarrad’s got a three-year contract left, he’s got two years and a year’s option so if anything Everton hold all the cards regarding that player. But I have to also say over the journey I’ve had over many years at Everton we’ve had to sell different players from Wayne Rooney to Mikel Arteta to Joleon Lescott. Apart from being a football manager, especially at certain clubs you have to sell on the journey to try and build as well. But I wouldn’t think that Jarrad one of the players I would want to lose, that’s for sure.”

The 6ft 5in Branthwaite, who has had loans at PSV Eindhoven and Blackburn Rovers, has gone from strength to strength since joining Everton in January 2020, making 86 appearances for the club and earning his senior England debut last summer.

It's a statement of intent by the Merseyside club to lock down the highly rated centre back. The Toffees enjoyed a wonderful second half of the season, and with a move to their new stadium finally realised ahead of the 2025/26 season, there's plenty to look forward to for Branthwaite and the Everton faithful.