Tottenham are one of four clubs chasing England star snubbed by Thomas Tuchel
Tottenham Hotspur have identified Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential defensive solution ahead of what promises to be a transformative summer window.
The Lilywhites’ backline has shown vulnerability this season despite boasting quality options like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, with injuries exposing concerning depth issues. Spurs’ £65 million deadline day bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in January revealed their determination to strengthen at center-back, and now attention has turned to Everton’s rising star.
The 22-year-old Branthwaite finds himself at a career crossroads after being surprisingly omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. This snub has reportedly prompted the defender to reconsider his future at Goodison Park, alerting several elite clubs.
Tottenham face stiff competition for his signature, with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United all tracking his progress this season. Even Real Madrid have entered the conversation, adding an intriguing continental dimension to the potential transfer battle.
Branthwaite’s potential arrival could prove particularly timely given the uncertainty surrounding Romero’s future. The Argentine defender has attracted interest from Real Madrid, and should he depart, Tottenham would need a ready-made Premier League replacement.
The Everton academy product has already amassed 67 top-flight appearances, registering 4 goals and 20 clean sheets while demonstrating the composure and physicality required to thrive in Ange Postecoglou’s system.
However, concerns linger about Branthwaite’s fitness record. The young defender has endured three separate groin issues this season alone, missing 21 games across all competitions.
This injury history raises valid questions about whether pairing him with the occasionally fragile Van de Ven would create excessive risk in Tottenham’s defensive unit.
The club’s medical staff would need to conduct thorough due diligence before committing to what would likely be a substantial investment.
Tottenham’s interest reflects a strategic approach to squad building under Postecoglou. While Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin provide depth, neither has yet established themselves as automatic starters.
Branthwaite’s left-footed profile offers natural balance alongside Romero or Van de Ven, while his age aligns with Spurs’ preference for developing assets.
The potential transfer also carries homegrown quota benefits, an increasingly valuable commodity under Premier League regulations.
As the summer window approaches, Branthwaite’s situation bears close monitoring. Everton’s financial position may force their hand, especially if multiple suitors spark a bidding war.
For Tottenham, the decision will hinge on Romero’s future, Branthwaite’s fitness prognosis, and whether alternative targets like Guehi remain attainable. One thing appears certain – defensive reinforcements rank high on Daniel Levy’s offseason agenda, with the Everton defender emerging as a serious candidate to shore up Postecoglou’s backline.