In a recent report, Liverpool Echo stated that Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is on the radar of PSV Eindhoven. It is believed that the Dutch club are trying to sign the English talent permanently from the Toffees after his successful loan spell recently.
Branthwaite’s Impressive Loan Spell In Dutch Football
Branthwaite enjoyed a solid loan spell at PSV last season when he put in a run of impressive performances for them on the defensive third of the pitch. The 21-year-old was involved in 36 matches for the Dutch club in the previous campaign, scoring four goals and grabbing a couple of assists in multiple competitions.
The English sensation proved his worth as a capable defender at the centre of Eindhoven’s defence as he averaged 0.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from the back based on his pass completion rate of 87.2% in the Dutch top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Merseyside club will run out in the summer of 2025. Hence, Everton are under no pressure to cash in on him in this off-season.
Can Everton Boss Sean Dyche Afford To Lose Branthwaite?
Branthwaite is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger quickly to secure possession back for his team on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and can play his way out from the back.
Standing at 1.95m, Branthwaite is a commanding presence in the air as well. He is primarily a central defender but can even function as a left-back if asked to do so.
Branthwaite is good enough to fight for a regular starting spot in Everton boss Sean Dyche’s first XI next season. At 21, he has got a bright future ahead of him. Hence, the Toffees simply cannot afford to lose him this summer.
The Merseyside club would be better off keeping hold of him beyond this off-season and giving him a chance to prove his worth in the Premier League.
