Following the sales of Amadou Onana, Ben Godfrey, and Lewis Dobbin, Everton has accumulated around £70 million.
With this financial boost, the club has already secured Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison on loan, and invested approximately £25 million in Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam.
Despite these significant expenditures, Kevin Thelwell still has ample funds to continue strengthening the squad.
Now, a major addition is on the horizon. Everton is set to sign top prospect Jake O’Brien from Lyon. According to CaughtOffside, the deal for the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland defender is valued between €24-25 million (£21 million).
O’Brien is expected to complete his medical and sign a four-year contract with Everton today.
Should O’Brien be sold in the future, Lyon will receive 10% of the transfer fee. Everton has successfully outmaneuvered Wolverhampton and Brentford to secure his signature.
Lyon stands to make a substantial profit, having acquired O’Brien last summer from Crystal Palace for just €1 million.
The imminent departure of O’Brien from Lyon has been confirmed, reinforcing his expected move to Everton.
Jake O’Brien’s potential impact at Everton can be better understood through the insights of his former Swindon manager, Ben Garner. Garner described O’Brien as a valuable asset due to his aerial prowess and comfort with the ball.
He told Sky Sports, “We needed a centre-half with aerial presence in both boxes and the ability to fit our style of play.
Jake possesses those qualities. He’s brave with the ball, quick, and athletic for his size. He’s also strong in the air and has a humble, determined attitude.”
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, O’Brien combines height with impressive speed and agility, making him a formidable presence in aerial duels and defensive situations.
His addition will address Everton’s need for a quality third-choice centre-back, offering a potential alternative or replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite or James Tarkowski.
At just 23 years old, O’Brien has significant room for growth, promising to further enhance Everton’s defensive options.
These developments mark an exciting phase for Everton, as they continue to build and strengthen their squad.
