‘Liverpool certain to target Jarrad Branthwaite transfer from Everton’
Liverpool are “certainly” going to target Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as they want to “bring the best players into the club”, according to an ex-Red.
Having established himself in the Toffees’ starting XI last season, the 22-year-old has quickly become one of the world’s most coveted young centre-backs.
Whilst the former Carlisle defender is an integral part of David Moyes’ resurgent Everton side, Branthwaite was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad which caused the young defender to consider his future at Goodison Park.
With clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Man United interested in Branthwaite, the defender will be in demand this summer.
However, it isn’t likely be easy to agree a deal for him, with Everton planning an “aggressive” transfer strategy based around keeping the defender this summer, and the Merseyside rivalry further complicating a switch to Anfield.
Liverpool certainly in for ‘brilliant’ Jarrad Branthwaite
Former Liverpool left-back, Stephen Warnock, spoke on the BBC’s Football Daily show, ahead of the Merseyside derby on Tuesday evening (2 April).
When asked which Everton player he would take at Liverpool, the ex-Reds defender said: “Jarrad Branthwaite, very quickly.
“He’s the best player that Everton have, he’s a future England international in my eyes and a future star of the game.
“I think he’s absolutely brilliant, he’s got everything you need, he’s got the size, the physique, the power, the passing range.
“He is going to be an outstanding defender.
“Would I see it happening? I’m not so sure it would happen. I think that would be a very difficult move in today’s game, with everything that surrounds the game.
“However, I think Liverpool certainly would be in for him, because they want to be with associated with the best players, or looking to bring the best players into the club.”
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Branthwaite | Van Dijk |
| Appearances | 22 | 29 |
| Tackles won | 54.8% | 43.8% |
| Duels won | 62.9% | 69.6% |
| Interceptions | 23 | 44 |
| Yellow cards | 3 | 3 |
Jarrad Branthwaite would be the perfect Virgil van Dijk replacement at Liverpool
Football Insider Verdict
Virgil van Dijk is yet to sign a new contract at Anfield and even if he does commit his future to Liverpool, the Dutch defender will be 34 years old this summer.
Whilst the cross-town move would be explosive and controversial, it is difficult to deny Branthwaite would slot seamlessly into Arne Slot’s side, which he proved again in the 1-0 Reds victory in the derby.
The English defender offers a good array of passing and is very safe on the ball, only being dispossessed twice this season.
Branthwaite is a slightly more front-footed centre-back, aiming to win the ball back off of an attacker rather than waiting to intercept it like Van Dijk so often does; however, in Liverpool‘s system, the lengthy defender would be playing in a way that requires him to be less committed, which may well suit the young defender, allowing him to adapt into a modern ball-playing defender.
What’s more, whilst likely to be expensive, the defender is still only 22-years-old and has a lot of room for development in the future.