Liverpool working on deal to sign Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite

Liverpool are reportedly working on a deal to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Insider. The 6ft 4in left-footed defender is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt and is seen as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

  • Player: Jarrad Branthwaite
  • Current club: Everton (contract until 2030)
  • Reported interest: Liverpool
  • Valuation: £34m (Transfermarkt)
  • Context: Virgil van Dijk's contract expires at the end of the season
  • Source: Football Insider

Deal details

Liverpool are interested in signing Branthwaite, but no formal bid has been reported. Everton recently tied the defender down to a fresh contract until 2030, meaning they are under no pressure to sell and are unlikely to let him leave cheaply. The fierce Merseyside rivalry between the two clubs further complicates any potential deal.

Branthwaite is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt, though Everton's stance suggests any actual fee would be significantly higher given his contract length and importance to the squad. Liverpool have already started working on the deal, according to the report, but it remains to be seen whether they make a concrete approach next year.

Injury and availability

Branthwaite has struggled with fitness problems in recent years, which could be a concern for any club considering a move. At Liverpool, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez have also had injury issues in recent seasons, while Ronald Araujo joined on loan from Barcelona this summer. Van Dijk remains the only specialist left-sided centre-back in the squad.

Why Liverpool want Branthwaite

Virgil van Dijk has been an undisputed starter at left centre-back since arriving from Southampton, helping Liverpool win two Premier League titles, a Champions League and several major cup competitions. Now 35, his contract expires at the end of the season, and manager Andoni Iraola's side are exploring replacements.

Jarrad Branthwaite fits the profile: left-footed, 6ft 4in, extremely quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back and efficient in defensive contributions. He can also cover at left-back if needed. Those attributes align closely with the modern left-sided centre-back role that Van Dijk has defined at Anfield.

Liverpool currently have Giovanni Leoni, Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Joe Gomez as centre-back options alongside Van Dijk, but none are specialist left-sided defenders. Araujo is on loan from Barcelona, while Leoni and Gomez have struggled with fitness. Branthwaite would provide a long-term solution in that position if he can stay fit.

Talking points

  • Would Everton ever sell their prized defender to Liverpool, or is the Merseyside rivalry too fierce for a deal to happen?
  • Is Branthwaite's injury record a red flag for a club like Liverpool, who need reliable starters in a title race?
  • At £34m, is Branthwaite undervalued in today's market, or would Everton demand double that fee?
  • Should Liverpool prioritise a different centre-back target who is more proven at the highest level?

What happens next

Liverpool will resume their Premier League campaign against Manchester City next month after the international break, having beaten AFC Bournemouth 1-0. Any move for Branthwaite is unlikely to materialise until next year, but the club's interest is clear. Everton's stance and the player's fitness will be key factors in whether a deal can be done.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jarrad Branthwaite leaving Everton for Liverpool?

No deal has been agreed. Liverpool are reportedly working on a move, but Everton recently tied Branthwaite to a contract until 2030 and do not want to sell him cheaply.

How much is Jarrad Branthwaite worth?

Transfermarkt values him at around £34m, though Everton's contract stance means any actual transfer fee would likely be higher.

Who could Liverpool sign to replace Virgil van Dijk?

Liverpool are interested in Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

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