According to reports, Liverpool continues to have ‘clear and active interest’ in Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite and hopes to make him their first big deal of 2025.
Following a successful 2023-24 season in which he made 41 appearances in all competitions, Branthwaite was extensively linked with a move away from Everton during the previous summer transfer window. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid were among the prominent clubs expected to bid for him.
In the end, Manchester United tried the hardest to get the centre-back to leave Goodison Park. They made two approaches for Branthwaite but were unable to reach an agreement with Everton to sign him.
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Manchester United’s highest bid was roughly £50 million (€59.4 million / US$65.6 million), but the Toffees wanted at least £70 million (€83.2 million / US$91.9 million).
Manchester United eventually signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, but Liverpool and Madrid never made a formal proposal.
However, Branthwaite is likely to be pursued once more during the 2025 transfer window. On Tuesday morning, it was revealed that Crystal Palace wants to sign another Liverpool target Marc Guehi to a new deal, potentially positioning Branthwaite as Liverpool’s primary defensive target.
Given Liverpool and Everton’s intense rivalry, Reds sporting director Richard Hughes has held preliminary negotiations with Branthwaite’s agent about a ‘explosive’ transfer.
Jarrad Branthwaite’s interest reignites
Branthwaite is well aware of Liverpool’s interest and is willing to make the transfer, even if it means ruining his reputation among Everton fans.
The article does not specify when Liverpool plans to bid for the player, but it is expected to be at the end of the season.
Everton will try to keep Branthwaite mid-season as his departure would significantly weaken Sean Dyche’s defensive options during the current campaign. A summer exit would give Everton time to find a quality replacement.
Liverpool has only brought in one player during the Arne Slot era, with Federico Chiesa joining on a cut-price deal from Juventus.
Liverpool has saved a significant amount of money as a result, paving the way for a successful summer in 2025. By then, Hughes and Slot will have a good sense of which players to replace and which places to strengthen.
Anthony Gordon, Johan Bakayoko, and Alan Varela are potential replacements for Branthwaite, while Newcastle United are also interested in extending his contract.
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