Farhad Moshiri has a massive decision to make at Everton regarding the future of Jarrad Branthwaite.
During a season where Profit and Sustainability punishments ruled, he became one of Sean Dyche’s team’s stars.
After signing Leny Yoro, the Blues have managed to hang onto their star player in spite of Manchester United’s repeated advances. With the defender in their ranks, they can now make plans for the forthcoming season.
Branthwaite is open to accepting a new contract offer from Everton, but he won’t sign unless they match Man United’s £160,00-a-week (£8.3 million-a-year) offer (Daily Mail, July 25).
The Toffees shouldn’t hurry into this choice, but it is crucial for a team that has toyed with PSR during the last 12 months.
Everton cannot be held to ransom by Jarred Branthwaite
Due to the club’s favourable situation in terms of Profit and Sustainability regulations following the sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, the 22-year-old still has three years left on his present contract. Sean Dyche is not under any pressure to offload his star centre back.
With an outstanding rookie season at the Blues and 41 appearances in all competitions, Branthwaite has grown in stature.
Moshiri has to choose whether to renew Branthwaite’s contract and give him a pay increase from his existing £70,000 per week.
It was not until 2013 that John Stones made his Goodison Park debut for Everton that the team produced another gifted defender. Fans of the Blues believe that Branthwaite will follow in Stones’ footsteps and land a high-profile move from the team.
The defender may attempt to force a move if his contract demands are not fulfilled, but Man United will likely hang onto him for at least another season due to their diminishing interest in him.
The Toffees don’t need to sell, and if Branthwaite continues to play as well as he did last season, elite clubs in Europe will be interested in signing him.
The club’s decision to extend its contract to him will depend on how long he stays with the team; if he is likely to depart at the end of the current campaign, there is no reason to offer him a better agreement.
Moshiri has a tough choice to make, but he needs to act quickly to put an end to rumours about Branthwaite’s future at Everton.
