---
title: "Everton complete signing of rumoured Liverpool target Branthwaite"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/everton-complete-signing-of-rumoured-liverpool-target-branthwaite/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-01-14T09:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-01-14T09:00:00Z"
---

# Everton complete signing of rumoured Liverpool target Branthwaite

Everton [completed](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1571176/talented-young-defender-signs-for-everton) the signing of Jarrad Branthwaite from Carlisle United on Monday.

The 17-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park, having impressed in League Two this season, making [14 appearances](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/381045/Show/Jarrad-Branthwaite).

[Liverpool and Chelsea](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7833665/Liverpool-Chelsea-monitor-17-year-old-Carlisle-defender-Jarrad-Branthwaite.html) were among those linked with a move for the defender, but it is the Toffees who have got their man.

He is expected to play for their Under-23 side initially, as he finds his feet at his new club.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

In fairness to Everton, their academy is [strong](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-u23s-premier-league-champions-16133927), so I understand why a move appealed to Branthwaite.

Both Merseyside clubs have a history of promoting youth – the likes of Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney have flourished after being given the chance – so his decision is still a good one, in my opinion.

Arrogant though it may sound, I think the teenager would have opted for Liverpool, had their interest been genuine.

In our eyes, no player would want to turn down the opportunity to join a club in such a good place currently, with the team thriving [on](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/table) and [off](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-nike-new-kit-deal-new-balance-jersey-worth-2020-a9273201.html) the pitch.