In a stunning revelation, Liverpool reportedly made an audacious move to sign Everton’s star defender Jarrad Branthwaite last season, with the Toffees’ valuation of the player pegged at an eye-watering £70 million ($94 million). The informal enquiry from the Reds, alongside interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, highlights the growing reputation of the 23-year-old centre-back, who has since become a cornerstone of Everton’s resurgence under new ownership and management.
A Tumultuous Time for Everton
In 2024, Everton faced significant financial and operational challenges, with the club’s previous owner using Branthwaite’s market value as a major selling point to attract prospective buyers. The Friedkin Group’s acquisition of Everton in December marked a turning point. The sacking of Sean Dyche and the return of David Moyes as manager sparked a remarkable upturn in form. Everton finished the 2024-25 Premier League season in 13th place, buoyed by three consecutive wins, and the club has started the current campaign strongly, sitting sixth with seven points after four games.
The opening of the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium has further fueled optimism around Goodison Park, a stark contrast to the gloom that enveloped the club just a year ago. Moyes, upon his return, made it clear to the Friedkin Group that retaining Branthwaite was non-negotiable, emphasizing the young defender’s importance to the team’s long-term ambitions.
Liverpool’s Bold Enquiry
According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool’s interest in Branthwaite was part of a broader race for his signature, with Chelsea and Tottenham also enquiring about his availability. The Reds saw Branthwaite as a potential solution to bolster their defensive line, given his composure, physicality, and ability to play out from the back. However, Everton’s improved fortunes and Moyes’ firm stance ensured that Branthwaite remained a Toffee.
In July, Branthwaite signed a new five-year contract with Everton, tying him to the club until 2030. The deal was described as “unbelievable” by sources close to the negotiations, reflecting both the financial commitment and the faith Everton have in their homegrown talent. The contract not only secured Branthwaite’s future but also sent a clear message to rivals like Liverpool that Everton are building a project with him at its core.
Injury Setback and Squad Depth
Despite the positive developments, Branthwaite has yet to feature in a competitive match this season due to a pre-season injury. In his absence, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have formed a solid partnership at the heart of Everton’s defense. Moyes, speaking at a press conference ahead of the Merseyside derby, provided an update on Branthwaite’s recovery, stating, “Look, [Branthwaite and Vitaly Mykolenko] are making progress, and we’ll see [for Saturday]. We’ve got a couple of other knocks within the camp, but we’ll see how they are.”
Moyes also praised the performances of Michael Keane, adding, “I thought Michael has done great for us in the games he’s played, and long may that continue.” While Branthwaite’s return could be imminent, Moyes was cautious about rushing the 23-year-old back, emphasizing the importance of squad depth and competition for places.
The Merseyside Derby Looms
The timing of Branthwaite’s potential return could not be more significant, with Everton set to face Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. A fit and firing Branthwaite would provide a major boost for the Toffees as they look to upset their rivals, who are still licking their wounds after failing to secure his signature. For Liverpool, the match represents an opportunity to prove they can compete without the Everton star they coveted.
As Everton continue their upward trajectory under Moyes and the Friedkin Group, Branthwaite remains a symbol of the club’s ambition. His new contract and the faith placed in him by the manager underscore his importance to the team. For now, Liverpool’s hopes of signing the $94 million star have been dashed, but the transfer saga serves as a reminder of Branthwaite’s growing stature in English football.