Report: Liverpool Tipped to Make Bizarre Move for £75m Everton Star | OneFootball

Jarrad Branthwaite to Liverpool? The Merseyside Switch That Could Shake Up the Premier League

Everton’s young centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite, has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League over the past year. His rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, and now, rumours are swirling around a potential shock move across Merseyside to Liverpool. While the odds have been slashed by Sky Bet on this surprising transfer, it’s essential to take a closer look at the situation and consider whether this move could actually materialise.

Branthwaite’s Rise at Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite’s 2023/24 season at Goodison Park was nothing short of remarkable. Returning from a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, the 22-year-old defender quickly established himself as a vital part of Sean Dyche’s squad. Starting 35 of Everton’s 38 Premier League games, he showcased not only his defensive abilities but also his composure and maturity on the pitch—attributes that are rare for a player of his age.

Despite Everton’s struggles as a team last season, Branthwaite’s performances earned him a call-up to England’s provisional squad for the European Championships. While he didn’t make the final cut, being mentioned alongside high-profile names like Jack Grealish and James Maddison speaks volumes about his potential. Everton fans will be hoping that this is just the beginning for Branthwaite, who has a contract at Goodison Park until 2027.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Conundrum

Liverpool, on the other hand, have been in the market for a left-sided centre-back—a position that has seen various names linked to the club. The Reds did not manage to secure a player in that role during the summer transfer window, and Branthwaite’s name has now been thrown into the mix. This speculation was fuelled by former Liverpool forward John Aldridge, who praised Branthwaite in his column for The Liverpool Echo.

“I don’t want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England,” Aldridge remarked.

The fact that Jurgen Klopp mentioned Branthwaite in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Merseyside derby last season adds further intrigue to this story. Klopp’s admiration for the player might hint at a genuine interest from Liverpool, even if no credible reports currently link the young defender with a move to Anfield.

Betting Odds: What Do They Really Mean?

It’s crucial to approach the slashed betting odds on Branthwaite’s potential move to Liverpool with caution. While odds of 2/1 might seem indicative of an impending transfer, it’s important to remember that betting markets can be easily influenced by a high volume of bets. Often, this is done to make the market less profitable rather than reflecting any solid information about a deal being in the works.

Moreover, betting odds should not be seen as a definitive predictor of transfer activity. They can fluctuate based on various factors, including rumours, speculation, and public sentiment. In this case, the odds shortening could merely be a reflection of the media hype surrounding Branthwaite’s future rather than a concrete indication of a move to Liverpool.

Challenge of Crossing Stanley Park

One of the biggest obstacles to this transfer happening is the rarity of players moving directly between Everton and Liverpool. The rivalry between the two clubs makes such deals almost unthinkable. As Aldridge rightly pointed out, “Coming to Liverpool would be hard for the lad, it takes a bit of doing to make that switch across Stanley Park.”

Branthwaite is under contract with Everton until 2027, and the Blues have already rejected two bids from Manchester United for the defender. If Liverpool were to make a move, it would likely require a significant fee—possibly inflated by the so-called “English premium” that often comes into play when dealing with young, homegrown talent.

Ultimately, while the speculation is interesting, it seems unlikely that Branthwaite will be making the switch to Anfield anytime soon. For now, he remains a key player for Everton, and the club will be keen to keep hold of him as they look to rebuild after a challenging season.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the idea of signing Jarrad Branthwaite is met with mixed feelings. On one hand, there’s no denying his talent and potential. He’s young, English, and has shown his capabilities in the Premier League. However, the move doesn’t come without its complications.

First and foremost, the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton makes this potential transfer almost unimaginable. It’s not just about the clubs—it’s about the fans, the history, and the emotions tied to Merseyside. Branthwaite switching sides would be seen as a betrayal by Everton supporters and might put unnecessary pressure on a young player still developing his game.

Secondly, there’s the question of whether Liverpool really need him. While a left-sided centre-back is on the wish list, there are other options in the market that might be less controversial and potentially more experienced. Liverpool’s recent defensive issues stem from consistency rather than a lack of quality, and adding a player like Branthwaite, who is still relatively unproven at the top level, might not be the answer fans are looking for.

Finally, there’s the financial aspect. Given the inflated fees for English players, it’s worth asking whether Liverpool would be better off investing that money elsewhere, particularly in areas of the squad that need more immediate reinforcement. As much as Branthwaite could be a long-term solution, Liverpool’s ambitions require instant impact—and it’s unclear if the Everton man is ready for that leap just yet.