According to Football Insider, Liverpool have retained their interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite despite Manchester United links. The former club might attempt to sign the player in the next summer transfer window.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been excellent
Jarrad Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in the winter of 2020. With time, he managed to prove himself and solidify his position in the lineup. He is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League at present.
Branthwaite featured in 41 games last season, netting three goals and assisting once. He averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 4.5 clearances per game (stats via whoscored). His impressive performances have attracted interest from major clubs across Europe.
The Englishman plays as a centre-back and is a tough defender to pass on due to his strong physicality and long reach. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and also marks an aerial dominance. Without the ball, he is aggressive in nature and likes to stay close to attackers.
A replacement for Virgil van Dijk?
Despite Jarrad Branthwaite having links with Manchester United, Liverpool have retained their interest in the player. The latter club has been an admirer of him since long and want to strengthen their defensive pack with his acquisition.
The interest makes sense for the Reds as their star defender Virgil van Dijk is in the twilight of his career. It means the club will have to replace him in the coming years. In that aspect, Branthwaite could be a fitting choice to fill the Dutchman’s shoes.
The 22-year-old has already proved his abilities in the English league. With time, he is bound to improve further and hit his peak in the near future. However, Liverpool will not only have to beat the competition but also spend high as Everton wants around £80 million to sanction the transfer.
