Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed why he committed his long-term future to Everton.
Branthwaite attracted interest from several Premier League heavyweights and was the subject of successive failed attempts by Manchester United to prise him away.
The England international has become an established figure for David Moyes’ side since returning from a successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in summer 2023.
He was central to the Blues racking up the fourth-best defensive record in England’s top flight last term through his formidable partnership with James Tarkowski.
Branthwaite has penned a new contract until June 2030 and admits Everton’s new-found ambitions since The Friedkin Group’s takeover were a driving factor.
He said: “I’ve been at Everton for five-and-a-half years now and I’ve seen the change the club’s had over the past six months
“It’s very exciting for us as a team, as players, to have that going on in the background and obviously to be starting the new season at the new stadium.
“The ambition was a huge thing. The way the manager wants us to go as a team and what he wants us to do for next season and where he wants us to challenge for has had a big impact on the decision.
“I think you saw towards the end of last season as a team what we can do.”