'Everton exit update as Jarrad Branthwaite and Thomas Tuchel talks emerge'

03/25/2025 04:05 PM

England manager Thomas Tuchel’s reasons for not naming Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in his first squad have been revealed.

The 22-year-old was one of the surprise omissions from the Three Lions’ senior setup for the March international break, instead linking up with the Under 21s side despite his excellent form.

Everton are understood to be doing everything they can to agree a new contract with Branthwaite, which would help them ward off interest in the centre-back come the summer transfer window.

That comes after Man United failed in their attempts to sign Branthwaite ahead of the start of the current campaign.

Instead the defender remained at Everton, where he has helped the club move safely clear of the Premier League relegation zone, although that was not enough to earn him a chance with England this month.

Jarrad Branthwaite lacking European experience for Thomas Tuchel

It has been reported that Branthwaite is considering his Everton future after missing out on an England call-up this month.

Now the latest update from the Daily Mail has stated that new Tuchel told the 22-year-old the reason he was not called up, is his lack of experience in European football.

Everton currently sit 15th in the Premier League standings with just nine games of the season still to be played .

It therefore looks likely that if Branthwaite wants to force his way into the England setup before the World Cup at the end of next season, he would have to move in the summer transfer window.

The report also states that Man United have not made contact with the defender’s camp in some time, suggesting their interest has eased.

However, it is noted that Liverpool and Man City are still keen on the 22-year-old, with both in a position to offer him European football in the 2025/26 campaign.

Everton will not appreciate England manager talks

Football Insider Verdict

There is no doubt that Branthwaite has the potential to become a regular for England, something he will want to do ahead of the World Cup next summer.

It appears as though he will have to play European football next if he is to have the best chance of doing that, which means he may have to force a move away from Everton.

That would obviously be a huge blow to the Toffees given how important he has been to the club, and if it pushes him to their closest rivals in Liverpool, that will only add insult to injury.

As a result, it is hard to imagine anyone on the blue half of Merseyside being happy with what Tuchel appears to have said in those talks with Branthwaite.

Regardless of that though, with the progress that the centre-back is making and the interest that will generate, Everton will surely find it hard to keep Branthwaite long-term anyway.

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