Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite's potential has been discussed by Premier League title winner Colin Hendry, who believes keeping fit is the key to the young star's career flourishing.
Branthwaite's Breakthrough and Injury Woes
Returning from a year on loan at PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite enjoyed a breakthrough season at Everton in 2023/24, culminating in his first England cap as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3, 2024. Later that month, Manchester United made two rejected offers for the defender. He remained a mainstay under David Moyes after he replaced Sean Dyche midway through the next season.
However, after going off injured in Everton's last ever game at Goodison Park – a 2-0 victory over Southampton on May 18, 2025 – Branthwaite was sidelined for eight months. Despite signing a new five-year deal on July 2 last year, a setback with a hamstring issue in October led to a medical procedure. He returned as a half-time substitute against Leeds United on January 26, but was stretchered off in tears in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, ending his season after just 10 appearances.
Transfer Interest and Hendry's Advice
According to a Daily Mail report, Branthwaite is back running after another hamstring injury, having visited the MYOS clinic in Munich. Manchester City, United, and Bayern Munich are monitoring him, but moves depend on player departures. Everton would demand over £70 million for the player Moyes prizes highly.
Colin Hendry, a mainstay in Blackburn Rovers' 1994/95 Premier League champions, is a fan but stressed fitness is crucial. Speaking to the ECHO via BestBettingSites.co.uk, he said: “Generally, for any player at any level, fitness is key. Jarrad is a very good footballer; he is very highly rated. If he can keep injury-free, then we could even see him flourish a bit further and a bit more. I think that’s what a lot of people look at with him and think he’s capable of.”
