Those at Everton are now saying the same thing about the future of the in-demand Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window.
A lot is being made of whether Everton are going to be forced to sell some of their players before the end of the month with the PSR deadline looming.
Several Premier League clubs – including Everton – may need to bring in some revenue by selling players before 30 June to avoid any further penalties in the 2024/25 season.
Goodison Park will see top flight football once against next term following an impressive end to the campaign for Sean Dyche‘s men.
But this has seen a number of Everton’s players receive interest from within the Premier League with the likes of Amadou Onana catching the eyes of Newcastle United of late.
Everton News has now spoken with HITC Football‘s Graeme Bailey to discuss where the club stand when it comes to the potential departure of Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
What Everton are saying about selling Jarrad Branthwaite
This summer is going to be an interesting one for Everton with a stronger Premier League next season expected following Leicester City and Southampton’s promotion.
Therefore, signings are going to be needed to bolster Dyche’s side over the coming months, but this comes at a time when Farhad Moshiri is in talks to sell his shares of the club.
And with Everton being one of the Premier League sides who are likely needing to sell this month to balance the books, players like Branthwaite would provide an easy source of cash.
However, when it comes to the 21-year-old, Bailey says Everton are not going to budge on their valuation of the young defender.
“Everton are really stressing that to get Branthwaite, you’re going to have to pay the record fee for him. They’re putting him in the same boat as a Josko Gvardiol and a Harry Maguire,” Bailey said.
“I think that will mean no one will pay it, from what I’m being told. A lot of clubs like him a lot, but I don’t think anyone is going to pay over £50m and if that’s the case then Everton aren’t going to sell.”
When asked whether Everton may need to sell Branthwaite this month, Bailey replied: “They say not. Let’s see how it plays out… They probably are looking at a sale and Amadou Onana is the one they’d be most likely to move on.”
Everton will prioritise other departures over Jarrad Branthwaite
When it comes to players who could depart this summer and bring in a significant financial return, there are three players Everton could offload: Onana, Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford.
Out of the three, Everton would view Onana as the player who they would be most willing to part ways with over the coming weeks as interest in him grows.
Branthwaite is currently awaiting the nod for Gareth Southgate’s final England squad to play in this summer’s Euros having made the provisional list.
Given there are concerns over the fitness of Harry Maguire going into the tournament, it cannot be ruled out that Branthwaite plays under Southgate where he could well put in some displays that would solidify Everton’s high valuation.
But the Toffees’ stance remains firm as they wish to keep their star defender over the coming months.