Liverpool are facing the daunting possibility of having to replace one of the greatest defenders in the club’s modern history.
Virgil van Dijk has been a colossal figure at Anfield since joining from Southampton, helping the Reds win two Premier League titles and the Champions League among a host of major honours. However, his current contract runs until 2027 and there has yet to be any firm indication that an extension is close.
With the end of his current deal now becoming increasingly relevant, Liverpool appear to be preparing for the possibility of life without their captain.
And the Reds have reportedly identified an England international as a potential long-term successor.
Liverpool Eyeing Jarrad Branthwaite
Liverpool are closely monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as they assess options to eventually replace Van Dijk, according to Football Insider.
The 24-year-old has had to contend with several injury setbacks in recent seasons, but his performances at the beginning of the current campaign have underlined why he is so highly regarded. Branthwaite has helped Everton make an unbeaten start and has subsequently earned a recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Liverpool are understood to be working behind the scenes on their potential interest in the left-sided centre-back, with Andoni Iraola keen to ensure his defence is prepared for the eventual departure of Van Dijk.
A Football Insider source explained that Branthwaite has emerged as one of the names Liverpool are considering as part of their succession planning.
“Liverpool are looking at left-sided centre-backs to come in and replace Van Dijk,” a source told Football Insider.
“That has placed Jarrad Branthwaite on their radar, he’s somebody who is a big admirer of, even if it might be a bit difficult for them to do a deal with Everton.”
The report claims Liverpool have been monitoring Branthwaite closely, with his location making it relatively straightforward for scouts to attend Everton matches and continue assessing his performances.
The club’s interest would also extend beyond simply watching him play. Liverpool are understood to have carried out the type of background work required when considering a major signing, including assessing a player’s character and how he conducts himself away from matches.
“He seems to tick a lot of boxes, and when you’re talking about replacements for Van Dijk, he is somebody who is going to be very high on that list,” the source added.
Branthwaite’s qualities have also been recognised within the Everton dressing room. His centre-back partner James Tarkowski has previously praised his calmness, describing the youngster as “composed”.
That quality, combined with his physical presence and experience in the Premier League, could explain why Liverpool view him as a potential candidate to eventually take on a major role at Anfield.
Everton Have No Plans to Sell Branthwaite
Liverpool’s interest is one thing, but actually convincing Everton to part company with Branthwaite would be another matter entirely.
TEAMtalk understands that Everton continue to regard the defender as a crucial member of their squad and have no intention of making him available for transfer. David Moyes made retaining Branthwaite one of his priorities when he returned as manager in January 2025, and the club subsequently backed that stance by handing the defender a new long-term contract.
That agreement runs until 2030, leaving Everton in a particularly strong position. They have no immediate financial need to sell and can therefore demand a substantial fee should Liverpool attempt to test their resolve.
There is also the obvious complication of the rivalry between the two clubs. Everton would be extremely reluctant to allow one of their best players to make the short journey across Merseyside to Anfield, particularly if Branthwaite continues to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s leading defenders.
As things stand, Everton are not considering selling him in 2027. Liverpool could therefore find that identifying Branthwaite as their preferred successor to Van Dijk is considerably easier than actually securing his signature.
Should the Reds eventually receive any indication that Everton might reconsider their position, however, they are expected to explore the possibility of making an approach.
For now, Branthwaite remains firmly tied to Everton, but Liverpool’s reported interest suggests the defender could be one to watch as the club begins planning for the eventual end of the Van Dijk era.
