Is it crunch time for Jarrad Branthwaite?

In the summer of 2024, it genuinely seemed as though Everton might have to sell Branthwaite. Indeed, had Manchester United met the club’s valuation, Branthwaite almost certainly would have moved to Old Trafford.

Financially, Everton are now on a very different footing. They made a statement of intent last summer by tying Branthwaite down on a long-term contract.

That being said, it is hard to see any club spending big on a player who cannot stay fit, especially in a position such as centre-back, where the best ability is often availability.

And Branthwaite is not a player who could or should be sold on the cheap. He is likely on a six-figure per week salary and is, when fit, an elite operator. Naturally left-footed, but excellent with his right boot, superb on the ball, fantastic in the tackle, excellent from set-pieces and, to boot, he possesses the recovery pace required to play in a higher line. Throw in the English tax, and the starting point for a valuation should be £70M.

That is not me advocating to sell Branthwaite — quite the opposite. But if he is not playing regularly, then unfortunately that valuation, which should be realistic, is instead pie in the sky.

He has managed just 681 minutes of action this season. Last term was also derailed by several lay-offs, though he still managed 30 league appearances (28 starts). Hope is not lost, that is hardly a terrible record, and this season perhaps just has to be put down as “one of them”.

The worry is that what makes Branthwaite so good is possibly also what makes him at risk of injury.

He is rangy and tall, but a sprinter; those kinds of players are, of course, more liable to muscular injuries, with groin strains and hamstring pulls especially prevalent.

But Everton — and Branthwaite — have to find a way forward; they have to find a way to fix it.

If it means taking longer to let Branthwaite recover fully, so be it, but it’s worth noting his minutes have been carefully managed since his return this time around.

If it means bringing in another centre-back, in order to reduce the necessity on Branthwaite to be fit, then so be it, although this writer feels the best solution would be to simply purchase the much-needed right-back, and finally put Jake O’Brien into his natural position.

This summer is suddenly huge for Branthwaite, and Everton. There is no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater and give him up as a bad job or a crock, but he will be turning 24 soon, and so can’t really be counted as a young player for too much longer.

Everton need to get it spot on. A hard reset is required and it needs to be done right. They will surely look into every little thing, every possible marginal gain to ensure Branthwaite can not only play consistently, but also deliver his best consistently.

When he is fit and firing, we all know what a difference he makes to this Everton team.

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