---
title: "Everton risk giving up on the Branthwaite-O’Brien partnership"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-jake-obrien-jarrad-branthwaite-partnership/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "Opinion"
published: "2026-08-26T08:33:06Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T12:34:27Z"
---

# Everton risk giving up on the Branthwaite-O’Brien partnership

**Everton’s willingness to listen to offers for [Jake O’Brien](https://readeverton.com/jake-obrien-everton-solid-season-right-back/) has raised a question among supporters over whether the club could be giving up too soon on a potential partnership with [Jarrad Branthwaite](https://readeverton.com/squad/jarrad-branthwaite/).**

O’Brien’s future has become uncertain in the final days of the transfer window, with Leeds United and [Crystal Palace](https://readeverton.com/everton-crystal-palace-match-report-dewsbury-hall-barry/) reported to have registered an interest in the Republic of Ireland international.

The 25-year-old made 40 appearances in all competitions last season but spent much of it at right-back rather than in his preferred position in central defence.

He was then an unused substitute for [Saturday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9w0wp899neo), with James Tarkowski partnering Branthwaite and Merlin Röhl starting at right-back.

## Everton fans make O’Brien feelings clear

Speaking to [BBC Sport Merseyside](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02lp335), Everton supporter Tony Bott offered a different view of O’Brien’s future.

“We all think that the pairing going forward should be O’Brien and Branthwaite,” he said.

It is a view that raises a legitimate question for Everton.

Branthwaite is established as a key part of the defence, while O’Brien is yet to have an extended opportunity alongside him in his natural position.

Everton may decide that a suitable offer represents good business, particularly as [David Moyes](https://readeverton.com/david-moyes-jordan-pickford-everton-world-cup-concern/) continues to reshape his squad.

But selling O’Brien now would also remove the possibility of finding out whether two defenders aged 23 and 25 could eventually form the centre-back partnership many supporters want to see.

That should be part of the calculation before Everton make their decision.