Jake O’Brien, the central defender from Lyon, has come to Merseyside to undergo a medical examination preceding a set €20 million transfer to Everton. Despite rumours surfacing due to the incoming addition, Everton has made it clear that this will not precede the sale of Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester United.
O’Brien has garnered attention from numerous Premier League entities following his commendable opening season in France, during which he took part in 27 league matches for Lyon. Having settled agreements with Lyon during the weekend, the 23-year-old will begin his medical evaluations on Monday, with anticipation towards settling into a five-year agreement.
O’Brien, who stands at 6ft 6in, made his professional commencement for the Republic of Ireland in June. His career began in 2021 with Crystal Palace following a move from Cork City, even though he never took to the field for the club. He was loaned to Swindon and Belgium’s RWD Molenbeek, until his transition to Lyon occurred in August of the previous year.
Impressed by O’Brien’s progression in France and acknowledging the club’s need for bolstering their defensive line-up, Everton opted to sign him. The team’s management, including manager Sean Dyche, and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, are both reportedly fond of the player.
While the €20 million signing of Ireland’s Jake O’Brien by Everton is likely to happen, the club reaffirms that this will not pave the way for Branthwaite to transition to United, as they have already dismissed two offers for the 22-year-old this summer. Everton remains firm that the English international player is not for sale and states that there is no financial strain compelling them to dispose of their valued player, regardless of the Friedkin Group’s takeover bid falling through.
Everton has amassed more than £70 million during this summer by selling off Amadou Onana, Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin. With Godfrey moving to Atalanta, the team is presently in need of a sturdy defence. The future of both Michael Keane and Mason Holgate remains uncertain at the club, with the management open to considering proposals for these two defenders. James Tarkowski, who was notably a constant fixture in the Premier League during the last season, has been absent from Everton’s initial two pre-season friendly matches due to an injury, although he is due to resume training later this week. – Guardian