With Everton parting ways with Yerry Mina this summer, there is a need to find another center back, writes the PRT. The Toffees may have to rely on their in-house solution, Jarrad Branthwaite, due to their tight transfer budget, as they seek a replacement for the Colombian defender.
Mina, who arrived from Barcelona for £27 million in 2018, showed impressive skills and was one of the team’s best defenders when he was fit. However, injuries plagued a significant portion of his Everton career, keeping him out of action for extended periods. Prior to the final game of the season, Mina announced that he would be leaving the club as a free agent once his contract expired.
Everton has chosen not to exercise the option to sign Conor Coady permanently, leading to his return to Wolves. Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey also face uncertain futures at the club. This leaves Everton with James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Branthwaite as potential central defensive options.
In the previous season, Everton had six center back options: Keane, Tarkowski, Holgate, Godfrey, Coady, and Mina. With an abundance of choices in central defense, Everton loaned Branthwaite to PSV Eindhoven, allowing him to gain regular playing time and continue his development.
Initially, Branthwaite faced challenges at PSV, as he struggled to secure regular playing opportunities in the first few months of the season. However, he became an integral part of the PSV team in the second half, showcasing his outstanding abilities. PSV made an attempt to sign the defender, but Everton rejected their offer.
AS Roma has also expressed interest in the center back but has yet to make any concrete offers for the 20-year-old. Recently, there have been reports of West Ham United enquiring about the young center back as well. Sean Dyche, Everton’s manager, is yet to make a decision regarding Branthwaite’s future. Dyche is likely to assess him during pre-season and then determine whether to send him on loan or keep him as part of the first team.
Everton is in need of a reliable partner for Tarkowski, and Branthwaite is a viable option that should be considered. By trusting Branthwaite instead of signing a new center back, Everton could save millions in transfer fees. Branthwaite has demonstrated his capabilities and is full of confidence, deserving a chance to prove himself in the Everton shirt. With his height, athleticism, and proficiency with the ball at his feet, alongside an experienced partner like Tarkowski, Branthwaite has the potential to excel in Everton’s defense.