Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Thursday that Liverpool scouts have been watching Jarrad Branthwaite closely as part of due diligence for a potential move to replace Virgil van Dijk.
- Everton have publicly signalled they do not intend to sell Branthwaite and hold him to a contract that runs until 2030, which gives the club strong negotiating leverage.
- Clubs are monitoring Branthwaite’s fitness and form after hamstring problems last season, with his return to form earning an England recall and increasing transfer interest.
- Manchester United and other top sides are also tracking the 24-year-old, meaning Liverpool would face competition if Everton ever chose to negotiate a sale.
- A direct transfer would carry extra barriers because of the Merseyside rivalry and the fact Liverpool have not signed a player straight from Everton since 2002, so a realistic window for any move looks more likely in summer 2027.