A report claimed Liverpool “could feasibly move” for Everton’s most valuable asset Jarrad Branthwaite in the January transfer window
Everton are not fearing a January transfer window raid from Liverpool for star player Jarrad Branthwaite. Having not turned out for the Blues since the controversial last-gasp defeat at title-chasing Arsenal on the final day of last season, the 22-year-old enjoyed a triumphant return to Sean Dyche’s side on Saturday as he made his first appearance this term with Everton recording their maiden Premier League victory of Goodison Park’s final campaign by coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
An article in the Daily Mail claims Manchester United’s plans to make a fresh bid for Branthwaite next summer are in danger of being hijacked by Liverpool. The piece states that Old Trafford chiefs are now set to prioritise a new forward, but Liverpool, “on the other hand, are firm admirers of Branthwaite and could feasibly move for him in January, as well as offering Everton closer to what they want.”
Despite such speculative reporting, the ECHO understands nothing has changed from when bookmakers slashed the odds of Branthwaite joining Liverpool in August. Back then, both club insiders and those close to the England international’s camp were left bemused by the developments, claiming to be unaware where such speculation has come from, with zero contact between Everton and Liverpool on the matter.
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Although Everton top brass have remained tight-lipped publicly when asked about potential Liverpool interest in Branthwaite, the club believe they will be operating from a position of strength should any further interest emerge in the England international. As Joe Thomas reported on Tuesday, the Blues entered this summer’s transfer window knowing sales were needed but determined to keep hold of the star centre-back and hoping to channel the market in such a manner that it would help to make that ambition a reality.
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Last week, a takeover deal for the Friedkin Group to obtain Farhad Moshiri’s entire 94.1% stake in Everton was confirmed, bringing realistic hope that the club can now look forward to a far more financially robust and stable future. The belief at Everton is that despite the two points deductions last season, the club is now in a good position on that front, with the expectation held internally that PSR compliance is unlikely to be a major issue this year, reducing the demand for another big sale from a regulatory perspective.
Everton went on to reject a brace of offers for Branthwaite from Manchester United over the summer transfer window, knocking back bids of £35million plus add-ons and then £45million plus add-ons. The Blues insisted early on that they would not be bullied into selling him on the cheap with claims of a Goodison Park ‘fire sale’ wide of the mark and were always actively planning for him to be with them this season, unless a mega offer came in.
Given the £80million fee that Man United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75million Chelsea paid for Wesley Fofana in 2022 and the £77million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol in 2023, Everton consider Branthwaite to be in the same bracket, especially considering the premium for both left-footed defenders and homegrown talent.