Liverpool to sign Jarrad Branthwaite as ‘Van Dijk replacement’ after shock Everton admission
Liverpool could lose club captain Virgil van Dijk in the summer.
The Dutchman is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season with both parties unable to agree on fresh terms so far.
The 33-year-old admitted that an update will come before the conclusion of the campaign but it remains to be seen whether he will stay on Merseyside.
If he departs Anfield, it may lead to a controversial transfer that could completely change the landscape of football in the city.
Jarrad Branthwaite to join Liverpool in shock move
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite could join Liverpool in a move that would send shockwaves across the region if Van Dijk leaves.
Speaking to Goodison News on 28 February, former Blues scout Bryan King believes that the 22-year-old could be interested in a switch across Stanley Park.
He said: “It has happened before.
“Players have gone both ways between Everton and Liverpool, that is for sure. Looking at someone like Virgil van Dijk, Branthwaite is a long way off that level. Therefore, it surprises me that Liverpool are looking at Branthwaite.
| Everton | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | 76 | 4 | 1 |
“I’m sure he would consider the move. However, I cannot see that happening. I think there is more of a chance of him joining a Manchester club or heading to London, but anybody would consider an offer from the team that looks as though they’re going to win the Premier League.”
Liverpool move for Branthwaite is unlikely this summer
Although many Reds supporters will find it hilarious if they took their arch-rivals’ best player, it would come at the expense of losing Van Dijk, so that would dampen the laughter quite considerably.
Many fans remain hopeful that the L4 outfit can complete a deal with the Dutchman.
He is still at the peak of his powers, and letting the skipper leave after he lifts the Premier League title is an unfathomable but very likely scenario right now, given the lack of progress in negotiations.
There are multiple reasons why a deal for Branthwaite is unlikely to happen. For starters, Blues supporters would riot if their club sanctioned the deal, as they would rather sell him to Real Madrid or Manchester United if he were to leave.
Secondly, he is not at the required level to replace Van Dijk; he does not have a sufficient amount of Champions League or international experience under his belt, and the move would not go down well with Reds fans as a result.
Finally, it has been over 20 years since anybody moved directly between the two clubs; the last was Axel Xavier in 2002.
It is a very rare path given the animosity and rivalry between the sides.