“Mercenary”: Journalist slams £1m Everton man for poor loan performances, Sunderland wanted him

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Back in July, PSV Eindhoven signed Jarrad Branthwaite on loan from Everton for the 2022/23 campaign, beating Sunderland to his signature.

It was the Daily Mail who claimed that Sunderland were keen, although Marcel Brands – who signed the defender for Everton from Carlisle in a £1m deal – won the race.

Branthwaite has endured a tough time in the Netherlands so far this season, and now, Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen has aimed some pretty strong words at him.

Everton loanee Branthwaite criticised

Well, it’s safe to say Driessen is not a fan of the 20-year-old.

As quoted by Soccer News, he said: “That Branthwaite, that Everton mercenary. They were proud at PSV that he kicked a ball into the stands against Rangers in a ruthless manner, but he also does that when he doesn’t need to!”

Clearly, the Dutchman doesn’t think much of the England Under-20 international.

Branthwaite has only made three starts in the Eredivisie this season from a possible 11, so in fairness to him, it has been difficult to find any rhythm.

PSV Eindhoven are also second in the Eredivisie, so Ruud van Nistelrooy understandably hasn’t been keen to change a winning side.

Branthwaite actually managed to score in one of those starts, finding the net in a crucial 4-3 win over Feyenoord.

However, Driessen clearly believes he needs to do more, including a solution being found to constantly kicking the ball out of play.

Branthwaite has a future at Everton

In our view, Branthwaite just needs to do as well as possible during his time in the Netherlands and avoid injuries, as we believe he has a future at Everton under Frank Lampard.

The 44-year-old has already proven himself to be more than capable of developing young talent, having helped the likes of Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham blossom at Chelsea.

Lampard has also worked wonders with Anthony Gordon at Goodison Park, so if Branthwaite can get himself in the starting XI under Van Nistelrooy, he could become a big player for the Toffees next season.