Liverpool Sound Out Everton Over Branthwaite Deal Amid Defensive Concerns
Liverpool’s defensive frailties have prompted early transfer discussions across the city divide, with sources indicating that the club held exploratory talks with Everton over England international Jarrad Branthwaite. Though those conversations are understood to have been brief and without progress, the prospect of such a move reflects the growing urgency within Arne Slot’s squad planning.
Branthwaite Interest Emerges As Liverpool Seek Stability
With injuries once again testing Liverpool’s depth at centre-back, Slot is managing a precarious situation. Ibrahima Konate’s recent setback during international duty has left the manager with just three senior options: Konate himself, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Joe Gomez. The long-term absence of Giovanni Leoni has further reduced flexibility, while the club’s failure to secure Marc Guehi on deadline day now appears an increasingly costly misstep.
Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, have been assessing a range of defensive targets since the summer. Among those linked are Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo, and Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite. However, the name of Branthwaite has quietly resurfaced — a player whose composure, height, and distribution have caught attention across Europe.
Talks Between City Rivals Kept Brief
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool made initial contact with Everton to gauge their stance on a possible summer deal for the 23-year-old. Branthwaite, who signed a new long-term contract at Goodison Park earlier this year, is valued at around £75 million. His renewal leaves Everton in a strong position to resist any approach, particularly from their fierce local rivals.
A report from Dominic King suggested that while a conversation took place, it was swiftly curtailed. “A conversation happened at one stage but it never got any further down the road of potential valuations or fees or anything like that,” he wrote, noting that Everton showed no inclination to engage. Chelsea also made enquiries, though the response from the blue half of Merseyside was similarly firm.
Everton manager David Moyes has made clear that retaining Branthwaite is a priority, especially as he continues to recover from injury. His defensive partnership with James Tarkowski was one of the club’s few consistencies last season, and with financial fair play concerns lingering, any sale to Liverpool would invite a storm of scrutiny both on and off the pitch.
Future Decisions Loom For Slot’s Defence
Despite Everton’s reluctance, Liverpool’s defensive situation remains under review. Joe Gomez has drawn interest from AC Milan, while both Van Dijk and Konate face uncertain futures, with their contracts expiring in 2027 and 2026 respectively. Slot, who has shown a willingness to integrate younger players, may yet oversee a complete rebuild of the back line before the end of next season.
Branthwaite, for his part, represents an ideal modern centre-back profile: left-footed, aerially dominant, and calm in possession. His progression at Everton has also earned recognition at international level, and it would surprise few if Liverpool revisited their interest should circumstances shift in future windows.
While a cross-Merseyside transfer remains improbable, football has a way of revisiting unfinished business. For now, Liverpool’s focus will remain on stabilising their defensive core — but the quiet acknowledgment of Branthwaite’s potential suggests that Anfield’s recruitment discussions are far from over.
