Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is currently on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and has been enjoying life on and off the field in the Netherlands. Perhaps, Branthwaite impresses the most on his loan assignment out of the six players out on loan.
Branthwaite was signed in January 2020 as then director of football Marcel Brands spotted the gem from Carlisle United. A short loan spell at Blackburn and a few sporadic appearances in the Everton shirt did not accelerate the progress of Branthwaite and a full-fledged loan spell was needed for Branthwaite to continue his progress.
With the Toffees looking to add defenders in the summer transfer window, loaning out Branthwaite was the best option because that would allow him to develop and get regular game time and not hinder his progress. Brands, now the director of football at PSV, swooped in and signed the youngster on loan.
The 20 year old has been a regular in the PSV backline, playing 14 Eredivisie games, starting nine of them, helping the side keep five clean sheets. Game time is coming in plenty for the Englishman and he has shown his immense quality, making PSV wonder if they can sign the 20 year old permanently.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite open to extended PSV stay
During the last days of the January transfer window, PSV made an attempt to sign the 20 year old on a permanent basis, submitting a bid for Branthwaite. However, Everton rejected PSV’s bid, iterating that Branthwaite is not for sale.
Amid the rising speculation over Branthwaite’s future, another update has emerged. According to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink, Branthwaite is open to staying longer at PSV beyond this season. The 20 year old is more confident as he is playing regularly.
Branthwaite’s loan deal expires at the end of the season and he should be on his way back to Everton. Whether he is integrated into the first team or sent out on another loan assignment will depend on what happens with Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina. Mina’s contract is expiring at the end of the season and Holgate is touted to leave Goodison Park.
If there are departures in defence, EFC would be in favour of keeping Branthwaite as one of the backup options. If the 20 year old wants to play regular minutes, he may head out on loan as he is one for the future rather than a starter at present.
Should EFC sell Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer?