Dietmar Hamann says Everton fans would 'understand' if £80m star joined Liverpool over Man Utd

03/28/2025 05:17 PM

Dietmar Hamann says Everton supporters would ‘understand’ if Jarrad Branthwaite wanted to join Liverpool as the gap is currently so big between the two Merseyside clubs.

Branthwaite broke into Everton’s first-team in 2020 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the most sought-after young defenders in Premier League football over the last two seasons.

The 22-year-old centre-back has put himself firmly in Manchester United’s sights with his assured performances at the back – and the Red Devils had two sizeable offers rejected by Everton last summer.

Recent reports claimed Branthwaite would be open to a move to Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, but only if United secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League.

Real Madrid and Chelsea have also been credited with a strong interest but recognise that a deal will not come cheap, with the Toffees believed to be demanding a fee in the region of £80million for their prized possession.

But according to Hamann, it is not beyond that realms of possibility that Branthwaite could complete a controversial move to Everton’s bitter city rivals Liverpool when the summer transfer window opens for business.

There remains uncertainty over Virgil van Dijk’s future and Hamann is confident the Reds would be able to ‘find a solution’ if they were serious about signing the England international as a replacement.

‘It's been a while since someone made the move between Everton and Liverpool, I know there was talk of Anthony Gordon recently who does have that blue connection,’ the ex-Liverpool and Germany midfielder told Cardplayer.com.

Nicky Barmby did it, but I do think that the gap between the two clubs at the moment is so big that Everton fans would understand if he wanted to go there.

‘The gap is big but I hope that it closes in the sense that Everton improve with their new stadium and try to get back into Europe, we know there is a huge rivalry there.

‘But in terms of Jarrad Branthwaite, if there is interest there then Liverpool will be able to find a solution.’

Real Madrid are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer and Liverpool have grown increasingly resigned to losing the right-back.

Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk are also out of contract at the end of the season and Hamann believes tying down the latter should now be considered a ‘priority’ at Anfield.

‘Keeping Virgil van Dijk has to be the priority for Liverpool, he is the heart of the team,’ the 2005 Champions League winner explained.

‘He stabilises everything and makes other players better. He’s just a rock at the back and he’s been for a number of years now so I think he’s the most important.

‘It’s a bizarre situation because we don’t know whether he’s been offered a contract or whether he’s holding out for more money or what the situation is. So it’s very hard to tell.

‘But I would find it very bizarre if these players hadn’t been offered contracts. If they have been offered a contract you can’t be too harsh on the club because the players might want more money or a longer deal so there is negotiation there.

‘It’s very hard to make a statement or to judge because you don’t know what the situation is, but the bottom line is, I don’t think it would happen at any other club that three players are out of contract in three months’ time.’

Hamann hopes Liverpool have contingency plans in place and ‘players in mind’ should Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold all edge towards the exit door over the coming weeks and months.

‘There’s about ten or 12 games to go and you don’t know what’s going to happen with them, when are you going to think about a replacement, it will be too late and that probably makes players more expensive,’ he continued.

‘I’m sure they do their homework and that they’ve got players in mind, but it's a very strange situation.

‘Liverpool do their business differently to other teams and clubs – but you have to say that in the past and it hasn't done too much harm.’

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