It looks likely that Liverpool will need to bring a new centre-back to the club in 2025.

The Reds had been expected to sign another defender during this summer’s transfer window, but instead pushed ahead with what they have.

Although that may be enough for the time being, next year could be very different indeed.

Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation is well-known, while there is a chance that Joe Gomez pursues a transfer in 2025 as well.

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Should either Van Dijk or Gomez go, Liverpool will need to make a signing.

If both go, they will need two.

As a result, plans should perhaps start being put in place.

One player who could be on the radar is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite has been linked with Liverpool in what would be an enormous move across Stanley Park.

And journalist Ben Jacobs has now shed some light on the current situation.

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Branthwaite has emerged as a potentially top-class centre-back at Everton and would have obvious appeal to Liverpool.

At just 22, there have been claims that Liverpool think Branthwaite could be a long-term partner for Jarell Quansah in their backline.

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However, given the rivalry between the Blues and the Reds, it has always felt unlikely that the England international would make the move.

And speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs confirms that there has been no advance from Liverpool towards Branthwaite and also says that the Reds would have to ‘significantly overpay’ if they did attempt to strike a deal.

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“Suggestions that Liverpool will be the club in 2025 to enter the race, rather than Manchester United returning, are premature, according to my understanding at the moment,” says the reporter.

“Liverpool haven’t made any kind of meaningful approach yet to Everton for Branthwaite.

“If you look at how Liverpool do business, how they come to a valuation – and how they often walk away when there is no value to be had – Branthwaite, on paper, doesn’t feel like a very Liverpool deal,” adds Jacobs.

“They would have to significantly overpay on his market valuation.”

As Liverpool look to find the best player to bring in to be the future of their defence, Branthwaite is an appealing option.

The former Carlisle man is clearly a very good defender who will surely make the step to a top club sooner rather than later.

But due to the rivalry that exists between Liverpool and Everton, there is a strong argument that Branthwaite isn’t actually an option at all.

Everton have already seemingly set an enormous price-tag for their No.32 and if Liverpool come to the table, they may simply add another £10-15m onto that.

While the Reds continue to assess what they need at the back these links will likely continue.

But unless Liverpool are prepared to rip up their strategy and be that bold, we just can’t see Branthwaite happening.
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