Everton Could Speed Up Move for Former England International Following Jarrad Branthwaite Injury Setback
Everton’s preparations for their Premier League opener have been dealt a significant blow, with key defender Jarrad Branthwaite picking up an injury that could force manager David Moyes to fast-track defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
Branthwaite Blow Disrupts Moyes’ Plans
Ahead of Monday night’s clash against Leeds United, the Toffees have been rocked by news that Branthwaite suffered a hamstring injury during training. While the club has yet to issue an official recovery timeline, early indications suggest he will be unavailable for the start of the season.
Branthwaite’s absence is expected to trigger a reshuffle at the back. Jake O’Brien—who had been preparing for a role at right-back—is now likely to slot into central defence alongside the experienced James Tarkowski. While this adjustment offers a short-term solution, it leaves Everton light in the right-back department and may force Moyes into the transfer market for cover.
James Justin Back on the Radar
Everton’s recruitment team has been searching for a new right-back throughout the summer. At one stage, Fulham’s Kenny Tete appeared destined for Goodison Park, but the Dutchman ultimately committed his future to Craven Cottage, signing a new deal.
This has led Moyes to reignite interest in Leicester City’s James Justin, a versatile defender capable of playing on either flank or in central roles. Leicester are understood to be seeking around £6 million for the 26-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his contract. Justin has already featured for the Foxes this season, starting their Championship opener—a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
With Branthwaite sidelined and O’Brien potentially redeployed in the middle, the urgency to secure Justin’s signature has increased. Everton may now attempt to wrap up the deal before Monday’s game to ensure squad stability heading into the campaign.
Internal Options Under Consideration
If negotiations with Leicester fail to progress quickly, Moyes still has short-term alternatives within his squad. One possibility is deploying James Garner at right-back. The midfielder has previous experience in the position and has impressed when asked to fill in defensively, offering tactical flexibility.
Alternatively, Moyes could opt for a more traditional defensive pairing of Tarkowski and Michael Keane in central defence, allowing O’Brien to retain his role at right-back. Nathan Patterson remains the only recognised right-back in the squad, but doubts over his consistency have left Moyes hesitant to rely solely on the Scotland international in the early stages of the season.
A Crucial Few Days Ahead
The situation places Everton’s recruitment strategy under the spotlight. While there is no desperate need to spend heavily—given the available internal solutions—Moyes may decide that adding experience and depth now could prevent bigger problems later in the campaign.
The coming days on Merseyside will be telling, with Everton weighing up whether to trust in their current squad or move decisively in the market. Either way, Branthwaite’s untimely injury has already made an impact before a ball has even been kicked in the Premier League season.