Liverpool are recruiting all over the pitch but their defence still has areas in need of reinforcements.
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 defender is high up on the agenda and despite having four top-quality centre-backs at the club, the likelihood that all, if any, of them will be around in two years’ time is highly unlikely.
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.
Ben Doak of Scotland looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Croatia and Scotland
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
Liverpool could use Ben Doak to help sign Jarrad Branthwaite
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.
Jarrad Branthwaite is perfect for Liverpool
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 2024/25 Jarrad Branthwaite
Appearances 30
Clean Sheets 8
Headed Clearances 112
Tackles Won (%) 56
Duels Won 118
Stats 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.