Everton youngster Nathan Markelo has confirmed that Marcel Brands was keen to send him out on loan for first-team experience this season.
Markelo has joined Dutch side FC Twente for next season, having failed to break into Everton’s first-team since his arrival from Volendam in 2017.
He has instead starred in the club’s youth ranks, training with the first-team and gaining experience in that way.
However, the Blues have elected to send him out for first-team football this season, with reports claiming that Brands wanted him to play in a top league somewhere in Europe.
That is something he has undoubtedly secured with Twente, the Eredivisie having long been a breeding ground for talent with a long list of players having blooded themselves in the division before going on to star in Europe’s top leagues.
“What a beautiful stadium. I was here for the first time two days ago, and I am impressed,” he told De Telegraaf.
“I made my unofficial debut with Everton in the first practice match in Kenya in front of 60,000, but in the Premier League, I didn’t exactly get a chance.
“I have trained with big names like Wayne Rooney, Richarlison, Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, but it’s important for me to start playing now.
“Marcel Brands thought it was a smart step for me to try to get match time, and supported me in my choice.”
