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The Reds are having a summer to remember but the Florian Wirtz deal should not distract them from the fact that they have other areas that need strengthening.
A young defender is the profile Liverpool are looking for, hence the reason they are interested in Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.
However, with both costing around £50m, the Reds could spend a little more but for proven quality, as well as using youngster Ben Doak as leverage in the deal.
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Ben Doak has been attracting interest from a handful of clubs, including Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and, most notably, Everton.
The Blues appear very keen to try and bring him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season, so with Liverpool being long-term admirers of Jarrad Branthwaite, why not have a go regardless and attempt some sort of swap deal?
Everton valued him at £80m last season, and with Liverpool wanting around £20m for their young winger a move could seem feasible.
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Journalist Lewis Steele also confirmed on his YouTube channel that the Reds were still keen on him but nothing is progressing at this point in time, saying: “Would I necessarily rule out Jarrad Branthwaite.
Yeah, probably, but they definitely do like him.”
READ MORE: What Liverpool have now ‘made very clear’ about Florian Wirtz negotiations, it’s not done yet
So, with Doak likely to leave and Everton looking ready to try and sign him, Liverpool could try and assert their dominance and test the waters regarding a potential swap deal.
The Reds have been tracking Branthwaite for a little while now and he is definitely capable of playing at a higher level.
Premier League Stats 2024/25Jarrad BranthwaiteAppearances30Clean Sheets8Headed Clearances112Tackles Won (%)56Duels Won118Stats from the Premier League and correct as of 12/06/25
Labelled as magnificent by Alan Shearer in the past, Branthwaite fits the profile Liverpool are looking for at 22 and as an England international already, as well as having a wealth of Premier League experience, he looks ready for the step up.
Quansah and Konate could both leave soon, and Van Dijk will likely do the same in two years when his contract expires, meaning a major shake-up at the back will occur.
So, by getting Branthwaite now, he could be the one that helps take Liverpool forward in the new era that is not too far away.
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