Transfer Talk: Brilliant Branthwaite may not stick around with Toffees

Jarrad Branthwaite was shipped out of Frank Lampard's Everton last summer but has since found himself at home in the heart of PSV Eindhoven's defence.

The 6ft 5in centre-back has started 10 league games for the Eredivisie side — including each of the last seven — and has only been on the losing side in two of those matches.

His dominant performances have been generating interest from a host of Premier League clubs, who are looking to fulfil their homegrown quotas in line with the FA regulations.

Ahead of PSV's Europa League tie with Sevilla tonight, we turn the spotlight on the 20-year-old and his rapid rise.

Started from the bottom

Branthwaite has humble beginnings and learned his trade in the north of England before moving to Everton in the 2019-20 season.

The Cumbrian colossus originally worked his way through the academy at his local club Carlisle, making his senior debut for the League Two outfit aged just 17.

After enjoying a breakthrough campaign under Steven Pressley and Chris Beech, Branthwaite signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Toffees in January 2020 but did not make his debut until July.

He impressed when given the opportunity on Merseyside and signed a contract extension until 2025 before heading out on loan to Blackburn in January 2021, where he only featured 10 times due to an ankle injury.

Things were looking up during the second half of the 2021-22 campaign when he scored a dramatic equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in his first start of the campaign.

But he was sent off for Everton just 18 minutes into a defeat to Brentford later that season in May, causing Lampard to isolate the defender for the remainder of his time in charge.

Despite his struggles, the defensive anchor has gone on to grasp his opportunity in the Netherlands and has caught the attention of both Liverpool and Manchester United in the process.

Orthodox defending

PSV's No22 is perfectly moulded to thrive in the modern game and possesses a range of skills that are essential for a centre-back.

Although he appears a bit awkward with his large stature, Branthwaite has demonstrated the ability to launch a pinpoint pass across the pitch and play through the gaps in midfield, helping his side play on the front foot.

His defensive work can also be praised. The former Blackburn loanee averages 0.9 tackles per 90 in the Eredivisie alongside 3.3 clearances and can often be seen clearing up any loose balls in the penalty area.

Being tall does not always make you dominant in the air but Branthwaite makes light work of his aerial duels and exists as a goalscoring threat from set pieces.

Three of the four goals scored by the English powerhouse have been from set pieces and the other was a sweet strike from outside of the penalty area.

By adding goals to his game, Branthwaite is continuing to accelerate his development and his parent club Everton will be watching with envy as they continue to struggle at the bottom of the Premier League.

Here to stay?

Enquiries for the young defender will have already taken place on the back of his impressive season in the Netherlands and it is his current employers who seem most desperate to keep hold of him.

PSV head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has an eye for talent and has expressed his desire for the Eredivisie challengers to sign Branthwaite permanently.

He said: "I told the previous technical director to sign Jarrad very quickly. And I say it now to the current one.

"Jarrad has really fought his way into the team. He got his chance and took it. I am satisfied. I see Jarrad as a key player, and that’s how we see him internally.

"What is extremely important is that he is having a great time at PSV. That is a basic condition if we want to have a chance at all."

In response to Van Nistelrooy's comments, Branthwaite said: "It is a nice compliment that PSV want to keep me. I am really enjoying myself here, so I would definitely consider a longer stay at PSV.

"We’ll see if it works out. My contract with Everton runs until 2025. That’s still a long time and they will undoubtedly have a plan with me."

Homecoming on the horizon?

PSV's interest will flatter Branthwaite but the dominant defender may feel he has unfinished business in England's top flight.

He has previously spoken of his interest in following former team-mate Noni Madueke to the Premier League and is likely to have several options upon his return.

With a contract that runs until 2025, Everton are in the driving seat when it comes to England Under-20s international's future.

Sean Dyche is looking to turn the Premier League ever-presents into a more astute outfit and Branthwaite's composure at the back may mean he is awarded a starting spot if the Toffees survive the drop.

Alternatively, should Everton need to free up some funds or succumb to relegation, they may be forced to let their rising star leave.

But for now, Branthwaite will be fully focused on helping PSV chase down Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord and attempting to steer the Dutch side to success in the Europa League.