The Reds are suffering in their backline in absence of the trusty Virgil Van Dijk, who is also out of form. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly a target for Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
The Premier League rankings presently show Jurgen Klopp‘s team in 10th place, having had one of their poorest seasons in the top level in recent memory.
Liverpool have occasionally had trouble scoring goals, but its defense and midfield have often drawn criticism. In the absence of Virgil Van Dijk, Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in criticizing the defense’s shortcomings as well.
Liverpool scouting the Everton defender Branthwaite
In 20 league games this season, up to 28 goals have been given up, including three goals in each of their away games against Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Several new names in midfield have been mentioned, but there has been less discussion of potential arrivals at the defense.
The Daily Mail claims that Liverpool intends to deploy scouts to monitor Branthwaite’s progress. The decision was made that the England Under-20 international should temporarily swap teams since Everton have significantly bolstered their defense over the previous 12 months.
At PSV, Branthwaite has received consistent playing time, appearing in 10 Eredivisie and European matches as a starter and seven as a substitute. PSV supposedly intended to make the loan arrangement permanent in January, but Everton rejected offers of up to £15 million for the young player.
Branthwaite’s possible future
Branthwaite, it seems, will attract a lot of interest in his signature after he returns from his stay in the Netherlands. According to the report, scouts from Manchester United and Roma also intend to observe Branthwaite in the upcoming weeks.
His contract at Goodison Park has just under two and a half years left on it, and if Everton gets demoted from the Premier League, those terms are not expected to be extended. With other center-backs like Yerry Mina and Michael Keane possibly departing the club at the conclusion of the season, James Tarkowski, Conor Coady, and Ben Godfrey now rank higher than Branthwaite at Everton.
