Liverpool and Everton both have the chance to bring in some new players this summer
Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title under the guidance of Arne Slot. The Reds have been knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League though already this season, whilst they were beaten in the Carabao Cup final by Newcastle United. Nevertheless, they have still enjoyed an impressive first season domestically under Slot and getting their hands on the league trophy again will be a big boost to the club and their fans.
As for Everton, they brought back David Moyes earlier in this campaign after making the decision to sack Sean Dyche. The former Manchester United and West Ham United man has done a steady job since his return to Goodison Park. His side have managed to pick up results and pull themselves away from the drop zone over recent times.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite would be ideal for Liverpool
Although a switch to their rivals would be controversial to say the least, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite would be ideal for Liverpool. He has young, has bags of potential and has already proved he can perform at the top level. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Toffees face a real battle to keep hold of him this summer amid links to other teams.
Branthwaite, 22, has been on the books of the Merseyside outfit since joining them as a youngster back in 2020. Prior to his move to his current club, he rose up through the ranks at Carlisle United and broke into their first-team as a teenager. He went on to play 14 times for the League Two side before heading the exit door at Brunton Park.
He was loaned out by Everton to Blackburn Rovers and PSV during his first couple of years to get some experience under his belt. The Cumbria-born man made 36 outings for the latter during his days in Holland to boost his development before returning to his parent club. He has since become a key player and has made 78 appearances and has chipped in with four goals from the back.
It is set to be a summer of transition at Liverpool with there being question marks over the futures of key stars like Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Their squad is in line for a shake-up and they need to get their recruitment right. They are likely to have money to spend and so they should splash the cash on Branthwaite if they can.
Van Dijk isn’t getting any younger and when he does eventually leave Anfield, they must ensure they have the replacement for him. Branthwaite isn’t the finished article yet but is someone who will grow into the role over the coming years. The big question remains over how much Everton want for him.
Liverpool should consider Ben Doak swap deal
Everton have been linked with a move for Liverpool winger Ben Doak ahead of the next window, as per the Mirror, the Reds should consider letting the attacker join the Toffees as part of a swap deal plus cash for Branthwaite. Although losing a key asset would be a real blow for Moyes’ men, getting someone in return would benefit them.
Doak, 19, is a bright talent and has spent this term on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship. He was given the green light to link up with the second tier outfit last summer on a temporary basis to get some game time. The prospect has since scored three goals in 24 matches and has been out injured recently.
The Scotland international, who has six caps for his name, rose up through Celtic’s academy and featured on two occasions for their senior team. He also became a integral player for their B team in the Lowland League before Liverpool came calling. The North Ayrshire-born man made 12 outings under former head coach Jurgen Klopp before he left for Boro.
Doak is due to return to Liverpool later this year and will face a battle to get into their starting XI. There is no doubting that he is a player with a lot of talent and he will eventually flourish wherever he is. However, at this moment in time, he is unlikely to nail down a regular place with the Reds due to the competition for places in his position.
An exit wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility and he would be a solid addition for Everton and they would be able to give him regular minutes at the top level. The Toffees are moving into their new stadium and that should help them attract players over the coming years. This is an exciting time for Moyes’ side and landing someone like Doak would be a good statement of intent. They need young and hungry players who are going to get better over the coming years.
