Everton heading for Branthwaite disaster

Everton have developed a reputation for transfer calamities during the ownership of Farhad Moshiri at Goodison Park, and the club could be about to make yet another terrible decision on that front.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Forza Roma, the Merseysiders could be in line to sell centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in January.

As per the report, Roma are interested in signing the Everton youngster next month, and it is claimed that the Toffees have set a price of just €5m (£4.3m) to part ways with the 20-year-old.

Another Moshiri disaster

Everton have made numerous mistakes on and off the pitch which have contributed to their downfall in the Premier League, with numerous management changes, financial problems and relegation scraps plaguing the Merseyside club over the last 18 months.

They could soon be adding to their poor projections by getting rid of one of their most talented and promising youth prospects in Branthwaite, who has thrived in the Everton U21s and, more recently, on loan with PSV Eindhoven.

Across eight Eredivisie appearances this season, the 20-year-old – who was dubbed “skilful” by former Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti – has scored one goal and tallied a 90% pass completion rate, along with averaging 45.3 touches, 35.3 accurate passes, 2.9 clearances and 2.4 successful duels per game.

Branthwaite’s former Carlisle United coach Steven Pressley even claimed that the solid centre-back had the attributes to become an England international.

Speaking to Everton’s official website, the 49-year-old said: “He had so many quality attributes to become a top player. I told people he was a future England international.

“Not once from when I gave him his debut did I ever consider leaving him out again because I felt his performances had been so strong.

“The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer.”

Branthwaite made eight senior appearances for the Toffees last season but hasn’t had consistent opportunities to prove himself at Goodison Park, and considering how young he still is, he has plenty of time to earn experience and become a key player for Everton in the future.

Therefore, selling him would be another one of Moshiri’s big mistakes, if he were to thrive at Roma like he has done this season with PSV, and it’s a prospective decision that the owner could live to regret.