A Statement Of Intent

Jarrad Branthwaite's new contract shows Everton mean business.

By Patric Ridge

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In the summer of 2016, John Stones left Everton to join Manchester City.

The ambitious centre-back, aged 22 at the time, had been denied a move to Chelsea the previous year, with Everton standing firm amid multiple bids from the Blues, and a reported transfer request from the player himself.

Everton’s 2015-16 promised much, but eventually faded out. They reached two semi-finals, losing to Manchester City in the League Cup and Manchester United in the FA Cup, but matters turned toxic under Roberto Martinez.

And Stones seemed to be about done. He felt ready for the next step, so when Man City, with their riches and then-new boss Pep Guardiola, came calling, it was no surprise to see Everton accept a £47.5million bid.

johnstones5

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But it did signal something.

In March 2016, Farhad Moshiri had invested in Everton; the club, and its fans, had the new billionaire owner (or in this case, majority shareholder) they had long craved. Yet within a few short months, Everton were selling one of their prized assets, and one of the country’s best prospects.

Stones has gone on to have quite a career. Even if injuries have somewhat hampered him from reaching his full potential, the Barnsley boy has won countless trophies during his time under Guardiola.

It was a move that Stones needed, but for Everton, it was a missed opportunity.

Instead of making an early statement of intent, Moshiri’s Everton were instead cashing in. And sure, the Stones money was reinvested — badly — but looking back, it was a misstep.

The Friedkin Group (TFG) have been presented with an opportunity after taking over Everton. They have all of Moshiri’s errors laid out in front of them, and have had to pick up the pieces, too.

So, when presented with an opportunity to make a statement, to show the world — but most importantly, Evertonians — that they mean business, TFG have delivered.

In negotiating a long-term deal with Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton have secured the future of their brightest prospect, and one of the Premier League’s best youngsters.

Credit: Instagram - @everton

Branthwaite has been integral to one of the league’s best-performing defences in recent seasons. Everton have had plenty of issues, yet under both Sean Dyche and David Moyes, they have at least been built on solid foundations.

In keeping Branthwaite, who has penned a five-year deal, TFG have demonstrated what Moshiri could have done with Stones: Everton’s best player is not for sale.