Liverpool ‘Held Conversations’ Over Summer Deal for Everton Star – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Search: Branthwaite Links Revisited

Credit goes to The Daily Mail for shedding light on one of the more intriguing transfer threads of the summer. Amid Liverpool’s hunt for a new centre-back, it has now been confirmed that Jarrad Branthwaite’s name did feature in internal discussions, albeit briefly.

The report states, “Yes, a conversation happened at one stage but it never got any further down the road of potential valuations or fees or anything like that.” That line alone tells its own story. Liverpool, known for exploring multiple profiles before committing, clearly made an enquiry yet stopped well short of escalation.

There was no bid, no formal negotiation, and crucially Everton showed zero willingness to engage. As the article made clear, “Everton had no intention of selling.”

Photo: IMAGO

Why Branthwaite Was Never Attainable

It is also revealed that Chelsea held an interest in the England international, but they met the same wall. Everton reportedly see Branthwaite as a structural cornerstone, refusing to even consider numbers.

One source quoted in the report makes the logic obvious, “How, for instance, could Everton have held talks with Jack Grealish if they were about to sell one of their best talents?”

This is not just resistance, it is strategic protection. Selling Branthwaite would undermine Everton’s credibility in any future transfer dealings. He is not merely a prospect, he is leverage.

Liverpool’s Defensive Plan Took Another Path

The article reiterated that while “Liverpool might have looked, but to stress, it didn’t enter the realm where a deal was going to happen.”

That reflects Liverpool’s disciplined market behaviour. After Jarell Quansah’s unexpected sale to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, there was a growing expectation of a marquee defensive arrival. Instead, Giovanni Leoni was signed from Parma for £26m. It appeared a smart long-term play, until disaster struck. The young Italian suffered an ACL injury on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, putting Liverpool back at square one.

Future Windows Could Reopen the Conversation

Branthwaite remains an ideal stylistic fit for Liverpool’s evolving back line. Left-footed, physically commanding, tactically disciplined and young. Circumstances prevented movement this time, yet the point of contact is now on record.

Liverpool have not burned that bridge. They have simply marked it for later.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans reading this will no doubt have mixed feelings. Part relief that the club showed ambition post-Quansah, part frustration that they may have stopped short of pushing harder. When you hear that “a conversation happened at one stage,” it confirms the scouting was correct. Yet conversation without conviction rarely wins signatures.

Many supporters would argue that if Branthwaite was truly admired, Liverpool should have tested Everton’s resolve with at least one formal offer. After all, how many elite left-sided centre-backs under 22 exist in Europe? Not many. Everton may have said no, but forcing them to say no publicly shifts pressure onto the player and market perception.

Instead, Liverpool went for Leoni. No issue with the talent, but fate intervened cruelly. So what now? January or summer 2026 could see this resurface. And make no mistake, if Branthwaite ever hints at wanting the move, Liverpool will be first in line.

Some Reds will quietly hope Everton’s finances eventually force flexibility. Until then, Liverpool must trust their process and avoid scrambling. Slot has shown patience in recruitment before. One thing is clear, though. This link is not dead. It is merely dormant.