Championship loan ‘on the cards’ for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton could recall Jarrad Branthwaite in January with a loan back to the Championship “on the cards” for the young defender according to the Liverpool Echo.
The 20-year-old has featured ten times for PSV Eindhoven this season, but it’s understood Everton chiefs are eager for Branthwaite to be playing more regular first-team football.
It’s been suggested by The Echo (1 November) that there is a recall clause in his current contract which would allow Kevin Thelwell to bring the 20-year-old back to Merseyside before sending him back out on loan.
PSV are understood to be happy with the defender’s development but are also aware of doubts over his future and have been looking for a possible replacement.
Game time
Regular starts in the Championship is what Branthwaite needs right now. It was always going to be an experiment sending him out on loan in the Eredivisie, and potentially it was slightly too soon for the defender.
Branthwaite, will, without a doubt, go on to be a big player for the Toffees in the future, he just desperately needs consistent first-team football at this stage in his career, with the level of football not necessarily the priority. The Championship has harboured many a Premier League talent in recent years, and it’s where the 20-year-old should be plying his trade.
At the moment, considering the amount of game time he is being offered at PSV, he would be better off in and around Frank Lampard’s first team set-up.
It’s a big surprise to see Ruud van Nistelrooy use the defender so sparingly in recent weeks, particularly after his performance against Arsenal in the Europa League. Branthwaite gained plenty of plaudits after an imperious display against the Gunners. There is clearly a talented defender in the 20-year-old, he just needs to be playing more regularly.