Everton have confirmed Nathangelo Markelo has left the club and joined PSV Eindhoven.
The versatile Dutchman, who can play at centre-back, wing-back or in midfield, joined the Blues in the summer of 2017 from FC Volendam in his homeland and played for the Toffees Under-23 team.
Featuring regularly for David Unsworth’s young side during his first three seasons with Everton, Markelo won a Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup double in the 2018/19 season.
However, having failed to break into the Toffees first-team, the 22-year-old has departed to join up with PSV Under-23s, who are managed by former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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Markelo returns to the Netherlands having spent last season on with FC Twente in the Dutch top-flight.
Having joined Everton as a defender, it was Unsworth who moved Markelo further forward.
The player soon felt at ease in midfield, despite some initial reservations over whether he could handle the physical nature of the game.
“They looked like giants,” he said in a 2019 interview of the players he met when first entering the dressing room.
“I texted my agent wondering if I would ever make it here. I think the new position is the best place for me.
“I have composure and technical skills to defend well and play in team-mates when under pressure.
“I had a spell at right-back too when there were a few injuries and Mr Unsworth claimed I would benefit from the experience and improve my transition play, learning to pick the right moment to join the attack.
“When I moved back to midfield, the manager told me I had become a more complete player.”
Upon his move, PSV said on Wednesday, “The Dutch talent Nathan Markelo will strengthen the selection of Jong PSV (PSV’s reserve team that plays in the Dutch second tier) next season.”
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