John Aldridge moots Liverpool transfer move for Everton star
John Aldridge has called for Liverpool to make a surprise transfer move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite after his performance in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
The former Liverpool striker has suggested Branthwaite could be the solution to their left-sided centre-back search and claimed the defender has the potential to be a leading figure for England.
Aldridge shared his view that Everton should do what they can to keep the defender at Goodison Park but urged Liverpool to explore the deal despite what would be a controversial move.
Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo on 24 October, Aldridge stated: “It was Jarrad Branthwaite who stood out the most at Anfield. I think he is a really good player. He enjoyed a successful loan spell abroad at PSV Eindhoven last season and looks like a real talent.
“I don’t want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England.
“Branthwaite recently signed a new contract with Everton, too. I’m looking at Everton’s team and, if you want to go forward as a club, those are the type of players you have to keep around. Whether or not Everton can do that, only time will tell.
“A left-sided centre-back is something we were in the market for during the summer transfer window, which we didn’t end up signing in the end. If we were to make a move for Branthwaite, he would probably cost a significant amount due to the English premium that we so often see in the game.
“Coming to Liverpool would be hard for the lad, it takes a bit of doing to make that switch across Stanley Park. I don’t want to upset anyone, I will stress that again, but I think he has a really bright future.”
A controversial call
Aldridge’s repeated line “I don’t want to upset anyone” is perhaps the most obvious point about why this move would be a controversial one to make. Even the suggestion that one of Everton’s brightest talents could swap Goodison for Anfield is likely to rile fans.
Ultimately, Liverpool has shown no suggestion that they would make that move, and Branthwaite has made no suggestion he would take it, so it remains simply a suggestion.
There have been links with a move to Manchester United, who probably provide more of an appealing option both to Everton in terms of tempting them to sell, and to the player in terms of the pressure to make that big move.
It may prove difficult for the Toffees to hold on to their star man in the coming months, but it is something they will be hoping to do, and the recent contract extension will be a boost to their chances.
In other Everton news, a loanee has spoken out following his Goodison exit.