Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has admitted that he does not know if he will be playing at Goodison Park next season.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, where he played 37 games in all competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets, scoring four goals and contributing two assists from defence.
However, Branthwaite now states that it is ‘difficult to say’ where he will be playing next season, indicating that a return to Goodison Park is not guaranteed.
As reported via the Liverpool Echo, when asked where he thinks he will play football next year, Branthwaite said: “That is always difficult to say. I’m under contract with Everton, so it’s their right not to sell me, of course.
This season has been all about my development and wanting to perform well. With my first prize and holding on to second place, I think I can be satisfied.
I didn’t make many minutes in the first half of the season, but that has also been going a lot better since the winter break. I am absolutely open to staying with PSV, but then the clubs have to work it out together.”
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There is no option or obligation for PSV to retain Branthwaite on a permanent basis included in last season’s loan deal, but the two clubs may agree to a deal should the Dutch side pursue the centre-half.
There are high hopes for the young man at Goodison Park however, and with the recent defensive departure of Yerry Mina, as well as Conor Coady‘s loan spell at the Blues ending with the England international retuning to Wolves, it could be a breakthrough year for Branthwaite.
The 20-year-old has bags of potential, hopefully we see him fulfil it at Everton.