Liverpool ‘hold advantage’ in the race to sign £75million Premier League star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Advantage in Branthwaite Transfer Race Signals Bold New Era

Growing Interest in a Rising Star

Liverpool’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, as recently reported by the Daily Mail, continues to grow louder rather than fade. The Everton centre-back, still only 22, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising defenders, showing maturity and composure beyond his years.

That Liverpool rate him is hardly surprising. The real intrigue lies in the club he currently represents. The red half of Merseyside rarely, if ever, turns to the blue side for recruitment. History is loaded with tension, and past attempts at inter-club deals have predictably faltered.

And yet, this situation feels different. The persistent noise around Liverpool’s pursuit of Branthwaite suggests something deeper is at play.

Liverpool’s Strategic Advantages

Three key factors give Liverpool genuine leverage here. First, geography. Branthwaite, according to The Liverpool Echo, is happy on Merseyside and not actively seeking an exit. A move across Stanley Park would allow him to remain settled, even if the badge on his shirt changes.

Second, the lure of Champions League football. As Daily Mail report, Branthwaite is a player who looks ready to step up to the elite level and the report says his want for it too. That’s a box Everton can’t tick, and Liverpool most certainly can.

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Third, the Ben Doak factor. Reports claim Everton want the exciting young winger. If Liverpool are willing to entertain that move, it opens up a channel for negotiation. The Reds could potentially use Doak as part of a swap deal or simply as a sweetener to grease the wheels of a historic transfer.

Financials Will Be Key

Despite these advantages, price remains a major hurdle. Branthwaite is expected to command a fee in the region of £75 million, a figure that suggests Everton are reluctant to sell unless the deal is exceptional. Whether Liverpool are prepared to meet that valuation remains to be seen.

A Transfer That Could Redefine Rivalry

It’s rare to see such a direct line between rivals, especially for a player so vital to one side’s project. But football is changing, and pragmatism is replacing old-school rivalry in many boardrooms.

This would be a major statement of intent from Liverpool. They are not just looking to fill gaps but to build a dominant squad under Arne Slot’s tenure. Branthwaite, young yet seasoned, fits the model perfectly.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s no denying it: the very idea of Liverpool signing a player from Everton still feels surreal. But strip away the tribalism, and Branthwaite makes perfect sense. He’s Premier League-proven, left-footed, and incredibly composed under pressure — everything Liverpool need in a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konaté.

From a supporter’s view, this would be a huge statement by the club. Not just because of the quality of the player, but because it shows Liverpool are willing to break moulds to compete. For too long, deals like this were dismissed out of hand. If Arne Slot wants Branthwaite, and the player is ready to switch allegiances, the club should go all-in.

Ben Doak’s involvement also feels pragmatic. He’s a top talent but hasn’t broken into the first team regularly. If he can be the key that unlocks Branthwaite, most fans would support the move. Defensive depth has been an issue, and securing a future England international from a rival would be a seismic step.

Ultimately, this move feels symbolic. If Liverpool can pull it off, it won’t just be about one player — it will be about a new way of thinking. And that could be the most exciting part of all.