Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been one of the most impressive performances in the Premier League over the last year.
Sky Bet has cut its odds on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite joining Liverpool before the transfer window closes at the end of this month. Manchester United has already made two bids for the defender this summer, which the Blues have rejected.
Branthwaite was one of the bright spots of Everton’s tumultuous 2023/24 season, starting 35 of 38 Premier League games after returning from a loan spell at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
The 22-year-old was called up to England’s provisional squad for the European Championships following his strong showing for Sean Dyche’s side. Branthwaite, along with Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison, was one of several high-profile players left out of Gareth Southgate’s final England squad.
Despite his absence, Branthwaite spent the summer months in the spotlight as Manchester United attempted to woo the former Carlisle United defender to Old Trafford but failed with two offers that fell far short of Everton’s asking price.
Sky Bet has reduced the odds on Branthwaite leaving Goodison Park this summer. He is currently placed at 2/1 to make a surprise summer transfer to bitter rivals Liverpool. United are 3/1 to sign the defender, while Sky has listed Manchester City (4/1) and Real Madrid (12/1) as potential destinations for the England international.
However, it is important noting that no credible reports have linked Branthwaite, who is under contract with Everton until 2027, with a transfer to Liverpool. Betting odds are frequently shortened when a large number of bets are placed, making the market less profitable.
Last October, however, former Liverpool forward and ECHO columnist John Aldridge urged his former club to make a bid for Branthwaite following his superb performance in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
“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,” Aldridge wrote in an article for ECHO.
“It’s intriguing that Jurgen Klopp mentioned him in his pre-game press conference. He is sure to be on the radar of other teams as well, with Manchester United mentioned as a potential destination, but it is up to Everton to decide what to do with him.
He went on to say, “We were looking for a left-sided center-back during the summer transfer window, but we did not end up signing one. If we were to make a bid for Branthwaite, he would most likely cost a lot of money due to the English premium that we see so frequently in the game.
“Coming to Liverpool would be difficult for the lad; crossing Stanley Park requires some effort. I don’t want to offend anyone, I’ll say it again, but I believe he has a very bright future.”
