While Aston Villa considers a former Liverpool “target,” Manchester United is preparing a $69 million transfer offer.
Latest updates from Liverpool’s competitors include Aston Villa’s interest in a promising talent from Saudi Arabia and Manchester United’s preparation to make an offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. As Liverpool gears up for their last match of the 2023/24 season against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it marks Jürgen Klopp’s farewell after nearly ten years at the helm.
The top four spots for the next season’s elite European competition have been secured by Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa. Despite hopes for a historic quadruple fading, Liverpool’s achievements, including reaching the Carabao Cup final and securing a top-four finish despite injury setbacks, are commendable.
Towards the end of the season, Liverpool’s form dipped, highlighting the strain on the squad. Now, Michael Edwards (CEO), Richard Hughes (sporting director), and Julian Ward (technical director) are focused on preventing a recurrence under Arne Slot’s leadership in the upcoming season.
Liverpool.com provides an overview of happenings across the Premier League and Europe concerning Liverpool’s rivals, anticipating a busy summer in football.
Aston Villa has set its sights on acquiring Al-Ahli’s standout player, Gabri Veiga, from the Saudi Pro League. Despite interest from Liverpool when he was at Celta Vigo, Villa is keen to secure his signature amid reports of his desire to return to Europe after moving to the Middle East in 2023. Liverpool.com suggests that if Veiga pushes for a move, Liverpool should consider reigniting their interest in the versatile midfielder.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is reportedly preparing a £55m offer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, as indicated by the Daily Mail. However, Everton is adamant that the player is not for sale ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Everton manager Sean Dyche has acknowledged the possibility of player departures this summer due to complications surrounding the club’s potential takeover. Jarrad Branthwaite, who had a breakthrough season resulting in a call-up to the senior England squad by Gareth Southgate, is among the most valuable assets at Goodison Park.
Signed from Carlisle United for a modest fee of $1.2m (£1.0m/€1.1m) in 2020, Branthwaite’s value has soared to around $100m (£80m/€93m), prompting Everton’s determination to retain him for the upcoming season.
Liverpool.com suggests that, similar to Liverpool, Manchester United is in search of defensive reinforcements for the next season. With Raphaël Varane’s departure imminent, acquiring Branthwaite would introduce a young and already established player to their squad.