John Aldridge has said that Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite would be a good signing for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The former Liverpool player was impressed by the display produced by Jarrad Branthwaite in the Merseyside derby this past weekend.
Liverpool beat Everton 2-0 at Anfield in the Premier League.
It was a very controversial match in terms of refereeing decisions.
Branthwaite started the match for the Toffees.
The 21-year-old played well for Sean Dyche’s side.
The youngster has made seven appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
Liverpool told to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton
Aldridge told The Liverpool Echo: “Salah may have been the headline-grabber, but it was Jarrad Branthwaite who stood out the most at Anfield. I think he is a really good player.
“I first saw him play in a mini derby at Finch Farm a few years ago and he caught my eye then.
“He enjoyed a successful loan spell abroad at PSV Eindhoven last season and looks like a real talent.
“I don’t want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England.”
The pundit added: “A left-sided centre-back is something we were in the market for during the summer transfer window, which we didn’t end up signing in the end.
“If we were to make a move for Branthwaite, he would probably cost a significant amount due to the English premium that we so often see in the game.
“Coming to Liverpool would be hard for the lad, it takes a bit of doing to make that switch across Stanley Park.
“I don’t want to upset anyone, I will stress that again, but I think he has a really bright future.”
My View: Everton will not sell Jarrad Branthwaite to Liverpool
I do not think that Everton will sell Jarrad Branthwaite to Liverpool.
After all, Everton and Liverpool are Merseyside rivals.
There is no way that the Everton hierarchy is going to sell Branthwaite and anger the fans.
Absolutely no way.
Branthwaite himself may not be keen on crossing the Merseyside divide anyway.
Liverpool were actually linked with a move for Branthwaite earlier this year.
The Mirror reported in March 2023 that Liverpool and Manchester United were following the youngster when he was on loan at PSV in the Netherlands and were looking to make a move in the summer transfer window.
Earlier this month, Branthwaite committed his long-term future to Everton by signing a new four-year contract with the Toffees until June 2027.
Everton are 16th in the Premier League table at the moment with seven points from nine matches.
The Toffees are three points above the relegation zone.
Everton are going to be among the clubs fighting for survival in the final weeks of the season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool currently find themselves fourth in the standings with 20 points from nine matches.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are three points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
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