Liverpool Targets Branthwaite Transfer
Liverpool Target Everton Defender Jarrad Branthwaite as Long-Term Successor for Virgil van Dijk
Anonymous
Liverpool are reportedly planning for Virgil van Dijk’s eventual departure as his contract situation at Anfield remains unresolved; one Italian journalist has claimed AC Milan could sign him in 2027. Reports name Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as potential successors, with Liverpool doing background work on Branthwaite as a left-sided centre-back and a move possibly considered in 2027. Everton reportedly view Branthwaite as crucial and have no intention of selling him; his contract runs until 2030, and a move to local rivals would be difficult, with Everton in a strong position to demand a substantial fee. Manchester United are also said to remain interested in the England international, whose strong form and return to the England setup have raised his profile.
Key Points
1
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown said Van Dijk is 35 and will turn 36 when his contract expires next summer, raising questions about how long Liverpool can expect him to remain at the same level.
2
Everton tied Branthwaite to a new contract shortly after David Moyes returned as manager in January 2025, after Moyes made retaining the defender a priority.
3
Liverpool have not signed a player directly from Everton since 2002, a historical barrier adding to the difficulty of any deal for Branthwaite.
4
Brown said Liverpool’s defensive concerns extend beyond Van Dijk, with question marks over several other defenders in the back line.
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