PSV Eindhoven have signed defender Jarrad Branthwaite on a season-long loan from Everton for 2022-23 campaign.
Branthwaite began his career at Carlisle United where he progressed through their youth academy but found himself named as an unused substitute in several first-team matches, until he made his senior debut in October 2019 in a 2-0 defeat away to Plymouth Argyle in League Two.
Branthwaite went on to score one goal in 14 appearances for the EFL club before he joined Everton in January 2020, although he had to wait until July for his Toffees debut as a substitute in a 3-0 loss to Wolves.
He then made his home debut as a 16th minute substitute for Mason Holgate in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Goodison Park, which was followed by his first start in a 1-0 win away at Sheffield United.
Branthwaite however only enjoyed one appearance during 2020-21 season which came in the EFL Cup before he was sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers, where he failed to score in ten appearances in the Championship.
Last season saw the Toffees battle their way to survival despite a change of manager mid-season in which Branthwaite scored once in eight appearances, of which six appearances came under Frank Lampard compared to just two outings under Rafael Benitez.
Lampard though has decided to send the 20 year-old defender out on loan to PSV for further first-team experience and regular game time, with the England Under-20s international having scored just one goal in 13 appearances for Everton in two-and-a-half years.
PSV’s Director of Football Affairs, John de Jong explained that a serious injury to Olivier Boscagli has led the the club to bring in Branthwaite who met the requirements of being “a left-footed central defender with quality on loan to the squad.”
De Jong proceeded to explain what Branthwaite can add to PSV this season as he added: “He’s a player with a lot of length and he’s physically strong. He has constructive qualities and is good in one-on-one situations.”
Branthwaite could make his PSV debut on Tuesday 19 July as the club host FC Eindhoven in a local derby pre-season friendly.