Defender, Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract at Everton until June 2030.
Branthwaite had been the subject of transfer speculation and specifically with Manchester United in recent summer transfer windows, but he has now decided commit his future to the Toffees with a new five-year contract until June 2030 as they move into Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.
Branthwaite explained to evertontv. that he is delighted to sign his new contract after negotiations began at the conclusion of last season, which he considered “easy” once the legalities had been ironed out.
“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.”
The 23-year-old also acknowledged the importance of fans after their support played a massive role in their recent successful battles for survival over the past few years, as the club moves over to the new stadium.
“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.”
Branthwaite now is focused on the future as Everton hold “ambition” moving forward under manager, David Moyes who he praised for his impact at the club after his return following 12 years away from Merseyside.
“The way the manager wants us to go as a team and what he wants us to do for next season and where he wants us to challenge for has had a big impact on the decision. I think you saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do.
“The manager has been really good, not only for me but for the group. You saw the change in results, the change in mood since he came in. He drives the demands every day to be better.”
Moyes added that he is “delighted” to retain Branthwaite who he believes will “have a huge role to play in an exciting new era at the Football Club.”
Branthwaite joined Everton in January 2020 from Carlisle United and has gone on to score four goals in 86 appearances, amidst loan spells at Blackburn and PSV Eindhoven before he became a first-team regular in the last two seasons.
