Manchester City centre-back Erik Palmer-Brown has left the Etihad once more, this time to join Eredivisie side NAC Breda.
The news was confirmed via the Dutch side’s official Twitter handle and website, on a season-long loan according to technical director Hans Smulders, but is subject to international clearance.
? | NAC huurt Erik Palmer-Brown komend seizoen van @ManCity, onder voorbehoud van de 'international clearance' van de verdediger.
Welk bij NAC, Erik! ??
? https://t.co/Z3aFpy1bn6 #NACpraat pic.twitter.com/7ipj7zTZng
— NAC Breda ?? (@NACnl) July 7, 2018
The two-time capped 6ft 1in (source: Transfermarkt) USA international is yet to make an appearance for Pep Guardiola’s first-team having only signed for the Citizens in the January transfer window from MLS side Sporting Kansas City.
Palmer-Brown, 21, spent the second half of last season out on loan in the Belgian league with KV Kortrijk, making just one outing for them in the Juliper Pro League.
OPINION:
For a player who is unlikely to break into Manchester City’s starting XI any time soon, the fact that he will be getting first-team experience can only be good news, both for the player and the champions. The 21-year-old is strong and quick but clearly Pep does not believe that he is ready for the step-up to the Premier League. Not only that, but having made only one appearance in the Belgian league last season, it does not look as though he is ready even for a division which is nowhere near as competitive at the English top-flight’s is. This season will be a better indication of the level that Palmer-Brown is capable of producing but if he does not start to show his ability this season, questions will begin to be asked about whether his future ought to lie with the champions or whether they should look to move him on in order to kick-start his career.