Liverpool target Jarrad Branthwaite can be Premier League’s next big thing

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 13 Feb 2023 12:01 GMT
• 3 min read

It cannot be stated enough just how much Jarrad Branthwaite is impressing out in the Netherlands.

Sources have told FootballTransfers of their astonishment at his recent displays playing for PSV Eindhoven.

But the English youngster will be back with Everton in the summer. They will therefore be equipped for a player made for the starting XI ahead of the next campaign. However, the side are going to have to wade off interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Roma to ensure he stays.

READ MORE: Antonio Silva: Benfica teen can become Liverpool's next Van Dijk

We were told the centre-back is on Liverpool’s list ahead of the summer window, while Roma’s interest is genuine and very strong. Jose Mourinho’s side already have a contingent of England players among their ranks.

To make matters more complicated, PSV want Branthwaite to remain with them. The Dutch side had two bids rising to €17m submitted in the January transfer window, which were subsequently rejected by Everton.

The 20-year-old has broken into Ruud van Nistelrooy's side of late, and came up with two goals in the space of seven minutes during PSV's 3-1 victory over Emmen in the KNVB Cup, before netting his third goal of last week as they smashed Groningen 6-0 in the Eredivisie on Saturday.

We know Everton are going to do their level best to keep hold of Branthwaite, but relegation, if they do drop this season, may see their hand be forced in letting him go.

Liverpool want him, but it doesn’t take a genius to work out that Everton will be doing everything to ensure that he does not move to Anfield more than most.

Branthwaite recently spoke about his future when asked whether he would consider staying with PSV for a longer period. "It's something I will take into consideration, definitely," he told ESPN. "I'm enjoying my time here, playing games. It's been good this second half of the season. It's something we can look for in the future but I'm just focusing on playing as many games as I can.

Having left boyhood club Carlisle to sign for Everton in January 2020, the Cumbrian was shipped out on loan to Blackburn Rovers for the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.

This season, though, his star has risen and he is one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

Branthwaite the bullish centre-back

Something of an anchor, Branthwaite is a physical presence who is composed and resilient when out of possession. He wins 2.5 ariel duals per 90 mins, greatly helped by his towering 6 ft 3 frame. Despite his size, he is also a capable passer of the ball - making 0.4 key passes per 90 min and 3.3 successful long balls. He is not dissimilar to Newcastle’s Sven Botman, being only two years younger than the Dutchman. And like the former Lille man, there's every chance he will be playing regular Premier League football next season.