Everton will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old Irish youth international Jake O’Brien from Ligue 1 club Lyon this year.
According to a report by the Irish Independent, Jake O’Brien is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are in the market for a centre-back over a move in one of the two transfer windows this year. And they have set their sights on the 22-year-old Lyon defender.
Who is Jake O’Brien?
Jake O’Brien is one of the best young defenders to emerge from Ireland. He spent his formative years in his homeland before graduating from the Cork City youth division. His next spell came with Crystal Palace, with the South London club signing him in February 2021. But the Irish prospect could not establish a foothold in the first-team squad at Selhurst Park.
Instead, the youngster embarked on multiple loan spells before Lyon snapped him in the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old has not been a regular for the Ligue 1 club this season but has done well in his 14 appearances thus far. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Everton.
Everton Need a Centre-Back
The Toffees are in the market for a centre-back amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Jarrad Branthwaite. The youngster has considerably risen in stature this season, with his stock soaring since his successful loan stint with PSV Eindhoven. And widespread reports have linked him with several high-profile clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Financial Fair Play concerns mean Everton might have to cash in on Branthwaite in the summer transfer window to avoid further sanctions. In addition, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey face uncertain futures at the Merseyside club ahead of the summer transfer window.
So, it behoves Everton to invest in a centre-back in the summer transfer window. Lyon defender Jake O’Brien has thus emerged as a viable target for the Premier League club. And they will likely approach the Ligue 1 outfit over a possible transfer.
It is unclear if Lyon will be open to cashing in on O’Brien if they receive an enquiry from Everton. For now, the 22-year-old Irish defender has emerged as a target for the Toffees due to his exploits at the Ligue 1 club.
