Everton are on the verge of completing another summer signing as Olympique Lyonnais defender Jake O’Brien nears a move to Goodison Park.
This has already been a busy summer for Everton with another Premier League campaign now on the horizon.
The Toffees are looking to improve on last season’s 15th-place finish, though Everton did have points deductions last term.
Sean Dyche has been forced to wheel and deal this summer and there have been plenty of comings and goings.
Amadou Onana has joined Aston Villa alongside teammate Lewis Dobbin with midfielder Tim Iroegbunam heading the other way.
Iliman Ndiaye represents an interesting signing from Marseille and loan deals have been struck for both Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.
Ben Garner on Everton-bound Jake O’Brien
Everton are now closing in on another new face with Lyon defender Jake O’Brien imminently inbound.
HITC understands that Everton have agreed a £16million move for O’Brien with the Irishman expected to undergo a medical on Monday.
O’Brien adds depth at the back for Everton, competing with the likes of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fascinating journey so far, starting out with hometown club Cork City.
Crystal Palace pounced to sign O’Brien in 2021, completing a permanent move in 2021 after a loan spell in South London.
Palace then loaned him to Swindon Town and John Textor-owned RWD Molenbeek, before O’Brien was sold to Lyon – another Textor club – last summer.
O’Brien impressed in Ligue 1 and even managed five goals in all competitions, showing his threat from set pieces.
Now all set for a move to Everton, O’Brien has received praise from one of his former managers.
Ex-Charlton Athletic boss Ben Garner – who signed O’Brien at Swindon Town – has told Sky Sports that the Everton-bound defender was a real ‘aerial presence’ at Swindon.
Garner noted that O’Brien was not only a physical presence at both ends of the pitch, but was brave on the ball too.
O’Brien’s character was also praised as Garner hailed his mentality and work ethic, believing that he can go on to become a real star in the future.
“We felt we needed aerial presence at that time at Swindon, it was something that we were missing, so we were looking for a centre half that would give us that aerial presence in both boxes, particularly off set plays, which we’d struggled a little bit with because we just weren’t a big side and but we also need them to fit with our style of play. So it had to be someone that could pass and be comfortable on the ball and build attacks, and Jake’s got those attributes,” said Garner.
“He came in brave as a lion with the ball, quick, you know, good athleticism for his size, obviously good in the air with his frame and a really humble but determined lad. He had a really good spell, picked up a little injury towards the end of the season, which just slowed his progress a little bit with us, but he did really well for a first loan, and I’ve been so pleased to see what he’s gone on and done since, because, he’s a really, really down to earth, but hard working and determined lad. And, again, another one, I think, got all the tools to go on and have a really successful career as he’s as he’s showing at the moment,” he added.
O’Brien ready amid Jarrad Branthwaite interest
Everton clearly agree with Garner and are backing O’Brien to kick on and thrive in the Premier League.
O’Brien never made a Premier League appearance for Palace but is now looking to make an impact with the Toffees.
Everton may also be somewhat planning for the future amid questions over Jarrad Branthwaite.
HITC understands that Everton are aiming to keep defender Branthwaite this summer despite interest from Manchester United.
That interest won’t just disappear though, especially if Branthwaite continues to shine in the top flight.
O’Brien may be viewed as initial competition for Branthwaite before potentially taking over from him if a transfer does materialise down the line with the duo somewhat similar in stature.
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