Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his long-term future to Everton by signing a new four-year contract with the Club until the end of June 2027.
The talented 21-year-old defender joined the Blues from hometown team Carlisle United in January 2020 and, following loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, has become a regular starter for Sean Dyche’s Men’s Senior Team this season, producing a string of impressive displays.
Branthwaite helped England Under-21s win the European Championships in the summer and is rated as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
The centre-back says the support he has received from Evertonians was an important factor in him pledging his future to “this magnificent football club”, while the belief shown in him by fans, manager Dyche and Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, has given him “massive confidence” to thrive with Everton.
“The stature of the Club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing,” Branthwaite told evertontv. “To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have for the Club and show how much it means to me to play for Everton.
“Since I joined, I’ve felt a connection with the Club. The fans have been really good with me. For the first game I played, the cheer I got when my name was read out just gave me massive confidence to go out there and play my best game.
“Since I got in the team, the fans have shown me real support and that gives me confidence, especially for a young player. I can’t thank them enough.”
Dyche has started Branthwaite in the heart of his defence for each of Everton’s past five Premier League matches.
The manager’s faith in his abilities became clear shortly after Dyche was appointed Blues manager in January when he called the promising young defender while he was still on loan at PSV.
“I think it shows the type of person he is, ringing me while I was on loan with a different team,” said Branthwaite. “It shows the care he has for the players and how he wants to have everyone together as a team. When I came back to the Club, we had a chat and it was just about if I train as hard as I can and show the quality I have, then I’ll get a chance.
“When the manager and Kevin Thelwell have full confidence in you, it makes you feel like you’re welcome here and I know I can go on the pitch when the manager puts me out there and he has full belief in me. It’s a massive factor in signing the contract.
“In the games I’ve had, I’ve given everything I’ve got and performed to a good level. I think once the points start coming our way which our performances have deserved more from, we can push up the table as well.”
Branthwaite was handed his Everton debut as an 18-year-old in July 2020 at Wolverhampton Wanderers and has gone on to make 17 senior appearances for the Toffees.
He added: “Last season, I went away to PSV and played 30-odd games and I’ve improved massively as a player, so I think the more games I play, the better I’ll get.
“The best way to improve is to keep playing as many games as possible and keep training hard and listening to the manager.
“Being at such a young age, it’s about progressing as a player, keep playing for this magnificent football club in front of our fans and hopefully this season pick up some good results.”
Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Jarrad is an excellent player with huge potential and his new contract is richly deserved after the way he has played for us so far this season, having gained key experience on loan at PSV last term.
“It is a great boost for Everton to have a young player with Jarrad’s talent commit his long-term future to the Club.
“His performances so far this season have impressed everyone and given a glimpse of his exciting potential. We look forward to him getting even better in the years ahead in the royal blue of Everton.”
