Chelsea are being urged to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with some describing him as the “final piece” needed to strengthen their title aspirations.
Branthwaite’s Rising Profile
The 22-year-old has been a standout performer at Everton, establishing himself as a key figure under manager Sean Dyche. Earlier this year, Manchester United made a £50 million bid for Branthwaite, which was rejected by Everton, who reportedly value the young English defender at around £80 million. Consequently, Branthwaite stayed at Goodison Park.
Though his playing time this season has been limited to just five appearances due to a summer groin surgery, his talent has not gone unnoticed. Chelsea legend Pat Nevin believes Branthwaite could be the ideal solution to Chelsea’s defensive issues.
Chelsea’s Defensive Concerns
While Chelsea have shown flashes of promise this season, doubts remain over their ability to challenge for the Premier League title. Nevin highlighted that Chelsea’s central defensive pairing and goalkeeper fall short compared to rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool, saying to BBC Sport:
“Chelsea’s central defensive partnership isn’t at the level of Arsenal or Liverpool. The same goes for the goalkeeper. If Chelsea could somehow bring in Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, he could be the final piece of the puzzle.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher echoed Nevin’s concerns, analyzing Chelsea’s defense for Sky Sports and noting weaknesses in both goalkeeping and central defense:
“I can’t see a team winning the Premier League with that goalkeeper and without a standout center-back. Look at City with Ederson and Ruben Dias, or Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson. Chelsea need reinforcements in these areas to truly compete.”
Branthwaite’s Potential Impact
Although Branthwaite is still regaining full fitness after surgery, Everton’s Sean Dyche is optimistic about his recovery. Dyche recently praised the defender, saying, “He’s only just getting back to full fitness, but he’s a fantastic player with a bright future.”
Should Chelsea secure Branthwaite’s signature, it could not only strengthen their defense but also send a strong message to Premier League rivals. His composed nature, aerial prowess, and ball-playing skills make him a strong candidate to address Chelsea’s defensive shortcomings.
Why Chelsea Must Act Quickly
As competition for top defensive talent intensifies, Chelsea must move quickly if they wish to sign Branthwaite. With Manchester United previously showing interest and Everton likely to demand a significant transfer fee, Chelsea faces a race against time to secure this potential “final piece” for their squad.
