Back in the summer, it was said that Sunderland wanted to sign Jarrad Branthwaite on loan from Everton.
That was according to the Daily Mail, although Everton eventually decided to ship the £1m man out to the Netherlands, where he signed for PSV Eindhoven on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.
Unfortunately, things have not gone too well for Branthwaite, with Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen even calling him a “mercenary” when speaking to Soccer News.
Now, Sunderland could have a golden chance to sign him in January.
Sunderland can sign Everton man
Well, according to Eindhovens Dagblad, Everton are set to trigger their option to recall Branthwaite in January, as he is not getting enough game time in the Netherlands.
Interestingly, the Dutch news outlet mention that the Toffees would prefer to send the 20-year-old on loan to a Championship side, which gives Sunderland a fantastic chance to secure his signature.
Branthwaite has only made three starts in the Eredivisie so far this season, with Ruud van Nistelrooy yet to take a real shine to the England Under-20 international.
Everton could help Sunderland achieve something special
As things stand, the Black Cats are just five points off the play-off positions after yesterday’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield.
Therefore, if Everton do recall Branthwaite and send him to the Stadium of Light in January, the towering defender could help Tony Mowbray achieve something special in the second half of the season.
The Carlisle-born centre-back is a fantastic prospect, who has already made an impact for Everton in the Premier League with a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, of all stages.
Should Branthwaite arrive on Wearside, it would provide Mowbray with a real injection of quality in the centre-back department.
If Everton do end up triggering their recall option, Sunderland must get in touch with the Toffees immediately.
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