Liverpool could make £80m move for rivals star defender

Liverpool could make £80m move for rivals star defender Liverpool Transfer Interest in Jarrad Branthwaite Could Test Everton and Disrupt Man Utd Plans Liverpool are being linked with a future move for Jarrad Branthwaite, a development that would carry obvious significance across Merseyside and further complicate Manchester United’s long-running pursuit of the Everton defender. According to TEAMTALK , Branthwaite remains highly regarded by leading Premier League clubs, with Everton now believed to value the centre-back at around £80m. That figure marks another rise in a market that has already seen Manchester United test Everton’s resolve in previous windows, only to find the door firmly closed. United’s admiration is well established. Their attempts in 2024, first at £35m plus add-ons and later at £50m, fell short of Everton’s demands at the time. Since then, Branthwaite’s profile has remained strong, even through a period in which injuries disrupted momentum. The current indication is that Everton feel no pressure to sell, particularly after tying the player down to a contract running until 2030. Branthwaite valuation sets tone The £80m asking price reflects how highly Everton rate Branthwaite and why any deal would require major conviction from an interested club. TEAMTALK’s source material presents him as one of the most accomplished young central defenders in the division, and the level of interest supports that framing. Pete O’Rourke said: “Clubs are continuing to have a look at Branthwaite because he’s a top player. “He’s had his progress hampered by injuries in the last 18 months or so, but looks to be back fully fit now. “Manchester United are long-term admirers of his and tried to sign him a couple of summers ago, but a couple of derisory bids were rejected by Everton, who are quite relaxed about the whole situation. “He signed a new deal last summer, so he’s under contract at Everton until 2030. “There is always going to be interest in top players like Jarrad Branthwaite. Man United, we know, are probably gonna have a big restructure of their defence, so I’m sure that Branthwaite will be pretty high up their list.” Liverpool transfer angle gathers intrigue Liverpool’s interest is described as admiration at this stage, with the possibility of a move in 2027. That timeline matters. It suggests this is not an imminent scramble, but more a case of groundwork being laid around a player who could become central to long-term defensive planning. Under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool are expected to continue evolving their back line. Branthwaite’s age, Premier League experience, left-sided profile and ceiling would all fit that thinking. The wider context is clear too. Virgil van Dijk remains a hugely important figure, but succession planning around elite central defenders is an unavoidable part of squad building at the highest level. Photo: IMAGO Man Utd defensive rebuild in focus Manchester United’s need may be more immediate. Their defence is widely expected to undergo significant surgery, with changes potentially required at full-back and centre-back. That naturally keeps Branthwaite near the top of their shortlist, particularly given the years they have already invested in tracking him. Any genuine Liverpool involvement would therefore be notable for two reasons, the rarity of business involving Everton’s top assets, and the impact it could have on a rival’s recruitment strategy. Even if Liverpool face greater difficulty in getting Everton to engage, their presence in the picture could still shape the market around one of England’s most sought-after defenders. Our View This is the sort of link that instantly grabs attention because it feels difficult, expensive and politically loaded, which usually means there is something worth watching. Jarrad Branthwaite looks like a serious defender. He is composed, physically dominant, left-sided and already proven in the Premier League. Those are not easy qualities to find in one player, and when they do become available, the fee climbs quickly. The obvious question is whether Everton would ever sanction a deal of this scale to Liverpool. That is where the scepticism comes in. A transfer across the city involving one of their biggest assets would take extraordinary circumstances. Yet if Liverpool’s recruitment team truly believe Branthwaite is a cornerstone option for the next five or six years, they have to explore difficult deals and not rule them out because of noise around the rivalry. There is also the football side of it. Liverpool need to think ahead in central defence, and Branthwaite has the profile to anchor the next cycle. If Manchester United are serious too, then waiting around could become costly. £80m is huge money, but elite defenders in this market rarely come cheap. This one feels unlikely, but fascinating enough to monitor closely.