Nathan Broadhead has enjoyed something of a coming of age season on loan at Sunderland from Everton.

The 23-year-old picked up a serious hamstring injury in mid December and has only recently become available again to Alex Neil.

It does seem to be a delicate one, with Broadhead not featuring in the last two matchday squads since making his return from injury.

Entering the final year of his contract at Goodison Park next season means that this loan spell is very important for Broadhead's future, looking to showcase his ability in League One before pursuing a permanent move in the summer.

At this stage of his career, and with his contract situation, any future first team involvement at Everton is very unlikely and the 23-year-old has performed very well to prove himself as an effective third tier forward.

Broadhead is comfortable playing centrally or off of either flank and has chipped in with eight goals for the Black Cats, at a very impressive 0.57 goals per 90 minutes according to Wyscout.

Broadhead has shown an elite finishing ability for the level, that will certainly have turned the heads of Championships clubs looking for a summer bargain, to score eight goals from just 3.64 expected goals (xG), including a beautiful chip against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

It seems unlikely that Broadhead will be loaned out again next season, with him potentially available on a free transfer at the end of next season, so from an asset management point of view, the best chances for the Toffees to recoup a significant fee will be this summer.

There is a chance that Everton wait to see what division they are in next term before making a decision because of the threat of relegation to the second tier.

Broadhead would certainly stand a more realistic chance of pushing for some first team opportunities with Everton in the Championship, and his future could take a completely different turn to what is expected if the Toffees can keep their heads above water.

 

 

Hopefully Broadhead can become regularly available for selection soon and finish what has been an excellent loan move with some positive contributions in the Black Cats' promotion bid.