Nathangelo Markelo admitted he could be on his way out of Everton after struggling for playing time. The 20-year-old was signed from Volendam in 2019 and has since been a regular in the reserves.
As per Transfermarkt, Markelo has made 45 appearances for the u23s, scoring and creating six goals. The right-back believes he’s proven himself at youth level and deserves an opportunity in the first-team.
Markelo told Voetbal International (h/t Sport Witness): “Of course I hope I can make minutes at Everton. If not, I will look further into the Netherlands or another country. I’m ready for men’s football. Is the Eredivisie is an option? Yes, certainly.”
Under Marcel Brands, Everton’s policy has revolved around youth. The Toffees want to lower their average age and develop young talent, rather than sign more expensive tried and tested players. Markelo isn’t benefitting from the club’s new philosophy, however.
The Netherlands u20 international finds himself behind Seamus Coleman and Djibril Sidibe in the pecking order, despite Coleman struggling for form and Sidibe hardly featuring this season. Opportunities under Marco Silva have yet to materialise.
As a result, a departure could be on the cards. Markelo has played a lot of games for Everton u23s and clearly feels he needs more competitive football to develop. The Blues haven’t given him a single minute of playing time, so it wouldn’t be a shock if he were to join a side who would.