Everton have confirmed the signing of Jarrod Branthwaite on a two-and-a-half year deal. The 17-year-old arrives from Carlisle United and will join the u23s. He’s broken into the Cumbrians’ first-team this season and has gone on to make 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.
Branthwaite has made nine League Two appearances and amassed 766 minutes of football. The centre-back has shown himself to be an excellent reader of the game and comfortable in possession, but his decision-making may need some work – one foul given away every 64 minutes on average.
Everton’s newest signing made six tackles, won 30 aerial duels (51.7%), made three successful dribbles (100%), took four shots with 25% accuracy, made 17 interceptions, blocked seven shots/passes/crosses, made 42 clearances and averaged 40.2 passes-per-game for Carlisle.
He was a good omen for the Cumbrians too, helping United keep clean sheets in four of his last five appearances, so he could have a bright future at Everton. The Toffees were expected to sign a centre-back due to their lack of defensive depth in the first-team, but Branthwaite is perhaps one for the future.
For now, Carlo Ancelotti has Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, but it remains to be seen who’ll be brought in as a fourth option. Nevertheless, Branthwaite is looking forward to joining the reserves.
He told Evertonfc: “The pathway is superb – that’s what made me want to join Everton. I’ve seen those players get their chance in the first team and do well. I just can’t wait to get started. Everton is a big club and I’m buzzing to be here.
“The facilities at USM Finch Farm are unbelievable. I like everything about the place. I want to settle in, get to know all the boys and put in some good performances for the Under-23s.
“My long-term goal, 100 per cent, is to play for Everton first team in front of the great crowds at Goodison. That would be my dream.”