Liverpool to steal 'MONSTER' Virgil Van Dijk replacement from Man United

Liverpool’s centre-back partnership is flourishing right now, but there is fear on the horizon that the house of cards could come tumbling down.

Ibrahima Konaté has seen a brilliant run of performances combined with captain Virgil van Dijk to only concede two goals in the league so far this season. But Van Dijk’s contract expires at the end of the season and there is no apparent heir.

Jarell Quansah was hooked at half-time on the first day of the season and had a shaky performance against West Ham in the League Cup, and Joe Gomez could be on his way further north in January.

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Even if van Dijk does sign a new contract, at 33-years old the position needs future-proofing. And Liverpool may have found their answer.

A new left-sided centre-back?

The Daily Mail are reporting that Liverpool are willing to beat Manchester United for the signing of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils had a £50m bid rejected for Branthwaite in the summer, with Everton reportedly eyeing at least £70m for the player. If the situation with van Dijk is deteriorating, Liverpool could move for Branthwaite in January to get ahead of any other potential suitors.

Branthwaite’s contract on the blue side of Merseyside runs until summer 2027, however with Everton in dire straits on the pitch and facing turmoil off it - and an American takeover aiming to offset the costs of the new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium - becoming a regular starter at Anfield could be enough to tempt Branthwaite across Stanley Park.

The English international made his first appearance in the league this season after returning from injury, with Everton securing their first win of the season 2-1 over Crystal Palace. These two facts are not unrelated.

He was described as a “monster” by Ian Wright earlier this year and is definitely one of the brightest centre-back prospects in the league. 

If Konaté’s performance levels can be sustained, he and Branthwaite would make a wall in the heart of Liverpool’s defence that could grow together under new head coach Arne Slot. Whilst we wouldn’t wish to lose Van Dijk at any point, Branthwaite would be a more than welcome addition.