Everton Responds to Speculation About Jarrad Branthwaite’s Controversial Move to Liverpool
Bookmakers Slash Odds on Everton Defender Jarrad Branthwaite Moving to Local Rivals Liverpool
Everton are perplexed by rumors suggesting that Liverpool are preparing a controversial move for their star player, Jarrad Branthwaite.
Despite a significant reduction in the odds for Branthwaite joining Liverpool, both club insiders and those close to the England international are baffled by the speculation.
The ECHO understands that Liverpool has yet to make any contact with Everton regarding Branthwaite.
Everton has already turned down two bids from Manchester United for Branthwaite this summer.
The first offer was £35 million plus add-ons in June, followed by a £45 million plus add-ons bid in July.
Manchester United has since pursued other center-back targets, signing Leny Yoro from Lille for up to £58.9 million and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich for £38.5 million, with potential add-ons of £4.3 million.
Considering the £80 million Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019, the £75 million Chelsea spent on Wesley Fofana in 2022, and the £77 million Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol in 2023, Everton views Branthwaite as being in a similar valuation bracket.
This is especially true given the premium placed on left-footed defenders and homegrown talent.
Everton is determined not to be pressured into selling Branthwaite for a lower price. The notion of a ‘fire sale’ at Goodison Park this summer is inaccurate.
The club has been planning for Branthwaite to remain with them for the season unless an exceptionally high offer is made.
It would be an unusual move for Everton to reject two offers from Manchester United only to sell Branthwaite to their local rivals.
The last player to cross the Merseyside divide was Abel Xavier, who left Everton for Liverpool in an £800,000 deal on January 30, 2002—six months before Branthwaite was born.
On Sunday, Sky Bet notably reduced the odds of Branthwaite leaving Goodison Park before the transfer window closes.
He is now priced at 2/1 to make a surprise move to Liverpool. Other odds include United at 3/1, Manchester City at 4/1, and Real Madrid at 12/1.
However, no reliable sources have confirmed a move to Liverpool, and betting odds often change due to high volumes of bets, which can impact the market’s profitability.
