It’s still early days in Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England manager, but he’s already having a positive impact on Liverpool’s players – and he may have even just pushed the Reds closer to finding their Virgil van Dijk replacement.
Tuchel takes charge of his second England game on Monday against Latvia, having claimed victory in his first outing against Albania on Friday. Curtis Jones starred in that game, having been given the nod to start in midfield alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
Jones could be joined by Liverpool teammate Jarell Quansah against Latvia, with the defender having been included in the 23-man squad after being left out just a few days ago. That will come as a big boost for the 22-year-old, who has struggled for game time under Arne Slot this season.
A few nervy performances and Ibrahima Konate’s improved fitness has limited Quansah’s opportunities after his breakout season last term, but some recent improved showings saw him get something of a surprise call-up for Tuchel’s first squad as England boss.
That call may not have gone down too well with one or two other players, not least Jarrad Branthwaite. Having been overlooked by Tuchel, the Everton defender is now reportedly weighing up his options, which could include making the move across Stanley Park.
According to Sky Sports, Branthwaite is expected to consider his Everton future after being left out of Tuchel’s first squad. Liverpool is among the clubs said to have tracked him this season, along with Manchester City and Tottenham, while Manchester United is also keen.
It’s not the first time Branthwaite has been linked with what would be a controversial move to Liverpool. Transfers between the two Merseyside clubs rarely happen, with Abel Xavier the last to have made the switch back in 2002.
The reason for that is pretty obvious – you only need to look at the reaction to Rafa Benitez becoming Everton manager back in 2021 to understand why. But Branthwaite is a player that has already been touted as the perfect option for Liverpool’s defense, and he is a player Slot will be fully aware of, with the 22-year-old having played – and even scored – against Feyenoord during his time on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
Liverpool.com says: Branthwaite does look like a defender who’s destined for big things in his career. Whether that includes a move to Anfield is very debatable given his current connections, but if it is possible, he would be a good option as a potential replacement for Van Dijk should the Dutchman depart this summer.
Branthwaite’s England ambitions could therefore convince him that a controversial move to Liverpool might be worth all the backlash he would inevitably receive from Everton fans. If that’s the case, then the Reds will have Tuchel to thank for accidentally sending him across Stanley Park!
