Everton’s entire summer seemed set to hinge on Jarrad Branthwaite, but now that might not actually be the case.
It was thought that their PSR fortunes and ability to spend were intrinsically linked to one big sale, with the 21-year-old England international the outstanding option.
After all, he had plenty of suitors as well as many factors lending to an ever-growing price tag.
Having since received a pitiful offer for Branthwaite for Manchester United, thus sparking mass outrage around Goodison Park, it seems attention has been diverted.
And now, with one recent key sale, perhaps he is no longer the be-all and end-all of Everton’s summer window.
Alan Myers delivers Jarrad Branthwaite verdict
Having learned Everton’s new stance on Jarrad Branthwaite’s transfer, it is always interesting to get the varying views of journalists.
Especially when one is Alan Myers, with the Sky Sports reporter one of the most revered journalists on Merseyside.
Fans naturally clamour to hear his opinion on certain aspects of the club, and with transfers, interest is heightened.
So, when one supporter actively asked him whether he thought Branthwaite would be leaving this summer, he replied: ‘Personally I don’t think he goes unless it’s a big fee, just my personal opinion, he’s contracted to Everton and I don’t see him as a player that would agitate tbh’.
Another piece of positive news to add to the Toffees’ surprisingly ever-growing list.
Lewis Dobbin could have kept Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
One such piece of news was the acquisition of Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa, with the young midfielder coming in for a mere £9m fee.
Then, in return, Lewis Dobbin would trade Goodison for Villa Park, in a similar £10m move.
More than just the mere swapping of two promising prospects, this saw both teams boast pure profit in the sums received, whilst having to pay a minimal fee upfront.
This PSR loophole, which the Premier League are now desperately trying to close, might just be the catalyst which has afforded Everton the necessary financial freedom to potentially keep the likes of Branthwaite, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and even Amadou Onana.
Whilst this remains to be seen, with the rest of the summer set to tell that story, it marks a strong step in the right direction for Kevin Thelwell, who has used Dobbin as the most unlikely man to keep their prized asset around for another year.