Jarrad Branthwaite open to longer PSV stay as Everton exit speculation emerges on Wednesday
Jarrard Branthwaite is open to extending his stay at PSV Eindhoven after fresh speculation over his Everton future emerged, according to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink.
The Daily Mail had claimed (8 February) that the 20-year-old centre-half was being scouted by Liverpool, Manchester United and Roma.
Elfrink, who is a journalist for Eindhovens Dagblad, has since suggested Branthwaite is now open to extending his stay at the Eredivisie side.
“Branthwaite says he is open to a longer stay at PSV after this season. He feels more confident now that he plays more. Scoring twice in a match had never been possible before, he also says,” he wrote (via Twitter, 8 February).
One to watch
Branthwaite’s future is certainly one to watch in the summer. He was sent out on loan to experience first-team football and finally, he’s now seeing a consistent run of games for the Dutch side.
He’s certainly a defender who could suit Sean Dyche’s style of play. He’s big, physical and has the ability to play out when required. After the former Burnley man’s arrival at Elland Road, it would not be a surprise to see Branthwaite given a chance in the 2023/24 campaign when he hopefully returns.
A younger central defender should certainly be on the agenda for the Toffees in the summer. Conor Coady and James Tarkowski are both excellent options, but the duo are certainly entering the latter stages of their careers, as opposed to Branthwaite who is just starting out.
Branthwaite attracting attention from elsewhere isn’t exactly a bad thing for Everton. He’s contracted to the club until 2025 and could well earn the Merseyside club a healthy transfer fee in the coming years.