Everton are closing in on another acquisition to improve Sean Dyche’s squad with Lyon defender Jake O’Brien potentially nearing a move to Goodison Park. The Toffees were in another battle for Premier League survival last season but managed to avoid the drop – despite an eight-point deduction.
Everton’s goal is to move up from the bottom of the table, and Sean Dyche has already had a busy transfer window.
First, the outs: Lewis Dobbin and Amadou Onana have both signed with Aston Villa, while Ben Godfrey has joined Atalanta.
Tim Iroegbunam, a midfielder, joined Everton from Villa, while Iliman Ndiaye, a former Sheffield United player, joined from Marseille.
Prior to the upcoming season, Everton is in the final stages of securing the loans for Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.
Everton draws near to Jake O’Brien
Irish central defender Jake O’Brien of Everton has a contract in place with Lyon, according to Everton insiders who spoke with HITC.
The Toffees and Lyon have reached an agreement for a £16 million deal for the talented former Crystal Palace player.
A five-year contract has been agreed upon for the 23-year-old, who is scheduled to have his physical on Merseyside on Monday.
Although Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski had a productive season together, O’Brien will provide Dyche an additional center back option.
Despite Manchester United’s interest in Branthwaite and the collapse of Dan Friedkin’s possible takeover, Everton still intends to hold onto the player.
Who is O’Brien, the Everton target?
O’Brien, who was born and raised in Cork, only made 13 first-team appearances with Cork City before moving to Palace in 2021.
Before signing O’Brien permanently, Palace had him on loan.
After spending time on loan at RWD Molenbeek and Swindon Town, O’Brien left Selhurst Park permanently without playing for the senior team.
The 23-year-old signed with Lyon, a French team, to become a member of yet another one of John Textor’s teams.
O’Brien scored five goals across all competitions last season and was a regular player.
O’Brien told Get French Football News in May, “I’m a physical defender in both boxes, so I’m always wanting to add goals to my game.”
O’Brien, who is six feet six inches tall, is a formidable figure. He has already won two caps for the Republic of Ireland, and as he gets ready to join the Premier League, there should be many more.
