For Everton, the most important piece of business this summer may not involve a new signing.
It may involve keeping one of their own.
Jarrad Branthwaite continues to attract interest from some Premier League clubs, with Chelsea among those reported to be monitoring the defender.
But for Everton, the message must clear: Branthwaite is a player they should be building around.
Since his breakthrough, the classy centre-back has developed into one of the club’s most valuable assets. His performances have also established him as one capable of competing at the highest level… when he’s fit.
Why Branthwaite has become such an important player for Everton
His qualities are obvious – calm in possession, strong in the air and comfortable defending against elite Premier League attackers.
Those attributes have made him a player other clubs are watching closely. That interest is unlikely to disappear.
At 23, Branthwaite fits the profile of the type of player Everton should want to retain: young, improving and already proven in the Premier League.
David Moyes will understand the importance of having a settled defence – one with a proper right-back. A team looking to climb toward the top six needs reliability at the back, and Branthwaite can provide that.
Everton’s new era will be judged by decisions like this
The difference for Everton now is that the circumstances around the club have changed.
Under previous ownership, financial pressures often meant difficult decisions had to be considered when valuable players attracted attention. The arrival of TFG has provided greater stability and created an opportunity for Everton to approach these situations differently.
That does not mean players will never leave. Football does not work that way.
But if Everton are serious about progressing, they need to reach a point where their best players are not automatically viewed as potential departures.
Branthwaite is a good example of that.
The summer will inevitably bring speculation, with interest from elsewhere likely to continue.
For Everton, the priority should be simple.
Keep their best players. Improve the squad around them. Show that the club’s ambitions match those of their supporters.
