Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed he would be more than happy to remain at PSV Eindhoven next season - but would also welcome a return to Everton.
The Blues confirmed Branthwaite had joined the Dutch giants on a season-long loan deal back in July. The defender joined Everton from League Two club Carlisle United, his hometown team, during the 2020 January transfer window.
Branthwaite has so far made 13 first-team appearances for Everton, scoring one goal, and signed a new contract in December 2021 that could keep him at the club until 2025. However, his Goodison Park future has been up in the air for most of the season, with a number of figures at PSV revealing they would love to sign the centre-back permanently this summer.
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The 20-year-old has earned promising reviews for his performances in the Netherlands and has totted up 36 matches for PSV in all competitions this season. During that time, the centre-back has also contributed four goals and two assists while helping his defensive team-mates keep 12 clean sheets.
There is no option or obligation for PSV to purchase Branthwaite as part of the loan agreement that took him to the Philips Stadion. Everton have also waved goodbye to Yerry Mina and decided against triggering a £4.5 million option to sign Conor Coady from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"That is always difficult to say," Branthwaite responded when asked where he thinks he will play next football year. "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."
Everton maintained their Premier League status on the last day of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday after Abdoulaye Doucoure's stunning second-half strike handed Sean Dyche’s side all three points.
"I don't know if it would make a difference either," Branthwaite, speaking to De PSV Supporter, said when asked if Everton avoiding relegation would affect PSV's chances of signing him.
"Of course you prefer to play at the highest level, but if Everton were relegated and they didn't want to sell me because they need me, then I would love to play in the Championship as much as in the Premier League."
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