Seasons2021-22Everton News
Markelo leaves for PSV
The versatile right-sided defender/midfielder was picked up by the Blues' scouts four years ago as a potential star of the future and he established himself as a regular for the club's own development squad.
He signed a two-year contract in the summer of last year and spent last season on loan at FC Twente in the Dutch Eredivisie.
He would make just 3 starts and 10 appearances from the bench before the loan period ended at the end of June 2021 and he returned to Finch Farm but the decision has been made to transfer him to PSV with 12 months left on his current terms.
Reader Comments (9)
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2 Posted 25/08/2021 at 15:00:42
3 Posted 25/08/2021 at 19:16:13
The list is endless but Stones, and Holgate aside, the rest have come and gone.
Bring back the Central League, but it won't happen but it raises the questions of the U23s, and the Everton youth development programme's criteria for success?
4 Posted 25/08/2021 at 19:52:35
It's worth doing though, Stones, Sterling, Sancho and many others were all pinched from other clubs' academies. Obviously aside from the kid having talent and motivation, the key thing seems to be first-team football opportunities, either with the club or on loan. U23s is often a place to stagnate rather than develop.
I'd like to see a few more additions like Branthwaite even if some never quite kick on.
5 Posted 26/08/2021 at 05:08:02
6 Posted 26/08/2021 at 08:10:01
The trafficking of promising youngsters from Africa, as young as 14, to mainly east European teams continues. A lot of these kids are later released with not even the fare to get home.
7 Posted 26/08/2021 at 08:44:56
8 Posted 26/08/2021 at 09:12:51
PS _ whilst being no apologist for Bill Kenwright (I'm more in the Don Alexander camp on that!) I do give him credit for his gesture in setting up, and I believe funding that Camp and Furnace do.
9 Posted 26/08/2021 at 09:57:00
Agree totally. I don't understand how this practice continually slips under the radar.
The Ajax model is often thrown about as a great production line which it undoubtedly is. They play a numbers game on a different scale. I am sure their rejection ratio is up there with the best or worst depending on your viewpoint.
Closer to home in the last week, 2 promising full backs have left us.
The club has invested years of coaching, accomodation and probably 'expenses' to their families. Why bother? Most prem clubs don't develope talent they buy first team ready players.
The area of Merseyside has a population of 500k. Are you telling me that local kids aren't as good and are not worth the time and investment?
The club has an opportunity to think outside of the box on things like this and be a leader rather than a sheep.
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1 Posted 25/08/2021 at 14:47:03