Liverpool Would Have to “Significantly Overpay” to Bring Premier League Player to Anfield – Journalist

Journalist Ben Jacobs has stated in an interview with GiveMeSport that reports of Liverpool’s interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite are premature.

The Reds have been linked with a potential move for the Everton centre-back, fueled by concerns over the future of Virgil Van Dijk.

The Dutch defender has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, with uncertainty surrounding his long-term future. As a result, speculation has emerged that Arne Slot’s team may pursue a move for England international Branthwaite.

In addition to Liverpool’s rumoured interest, Branthwaite has also drawn attention from Manchester United. The Red Devils reportedly had two bids for the defender rejected during the summer transfer window.

Everton ultimately decided to keep Branthwaite after Manchester United failed to meet their valuation of the player.

Although there have been suggestions that Liverpool might consider a bold move for the Everton defender, Jacobs has downplayed these reports, emphasizing that Liverpool has not yet made any formal approach.

He told GiveMeSport:

“Suggestions that Liverpool will be the club in 2025 to enter the race, rather than Manchester United returning, are premature, according to my understanding at the moment. Liverpool haven’t made any kind of meaningful approach yet to Everton for Branthwaite.

“If you look at how Liverpool do business, how they come to a valuation – and how they often walk away when there is no value to be had – Branthwaite, on paper, doesn’t feel like a very Liverpool deal. They would have to significantly overpay on his market valuation.”

Liverpool have secured a new contract for Jarrel Quansah, ensuring his future at the club, while discussions about Ibrahima Konate’s long-term stay at Anfield may soon be resolved.

The Reds are keen to prevent situations similar to those involving Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Rather than focusing solely on bringing in new players, the Premier League club are more concerned with retaining their key talents.

They are committed to doing whatever is necessary to keep their top players at Anfield and continue their ambitious project under Slot’s leadership.

Can Liverpool Bring Jarrad Branthwaite to Anfield?

After Joel Matip’s departure in the summer, Liverpool aimed to bring in a new defender but ultimately only secured Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

Although they also agreed to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili, he won’t join the squad until next year, making Chiesa their sole arrival this summer.

Regarding Branthwaite’s situation at Everton, the defender still has three years left on his current contract. This puts Everton in a strong position to either retain him or demand a substantial transfer fee.

While it would be challenging for Liverpool to sign him from their local rivals, Everton’s financial struggles leave the possibility of a transfer open.

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