Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract with the club.
The 23-year-old, who joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020, received two rejected offers from Manchester United last summer.
He also garnered interest from several clubs this summer, including Chelsea and Tottenham.
However, Everton views him as a key player in their plans as they transition from Goodison Park to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“I’m thrilled,” said Branthwaite, whose contract was set to run until 2027.
“This is something we’ve been discussing since the end of last season, and I’m really excited to have it finalized now.
“The trust the club has shown in me and the number of games I’ve played over the last two seasons made it an easy choice for me to stay and continue developing as a player.”
Branthwaite mentioned that Everton’s ambition was a significant factor in his decision. He made his first-team debut for the club under former manager Carlo Ancelotti in July 2020.
He has played 75 Premier League matches, including 69 starts, and has appeared 86 times for Everton across all competitions.
Branthwaite contributed to Everton finishing 13th in the Premier League last season, with the team’s performance improving after the club replaced manager Sean Dyche with David Moyes.
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“I’ve been with Everton for five and a half years now, and I’ve witnessed the changes the club has undergone in the past six months,” he said.
“It’s very exciting for us as a team and as players to have that happening in the background, especially as we start the new season at the new stadium.
“The direction the manager wants us to take as a team and his goals for next season significantly influenced my decision. I think you could see what we are capable of as a team towards the end of last season.”
Branthwaite’s time at Everton has included loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup in the 2022-23 season.
“We’re thrilled that Jarrad has committed his future to us,” said Moyes. “He is still only 23, and we believe his best years are ahead of him.
“We think he can play a significant role in this exciting new chapter for the football club.”
