Everton Embarrass West Ham by Signing Top Tim Steidten Target Jake O’Brien
West Ham’s transfer window woes continue as Everton sign top target Jake O’Brien, a deal that has left the Hammers reeling. The 23-year-old defender, voted the best around, was a key target for West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten, but Everton’s swift move has secured his signature.
The Toffees’ signing of O’Brien is a significant blow to West Ham, who have struggled to make an impact in the transfer market this summer. With Steidten in control of recruitment, the Hammers had identified O’Brien as a priority target, but Everton’s aggressive pursuit has paid off.
O’Brien’s impressive performances for Lyon earned him widespread recognition, including being named Ligue 1 signing of the season by Get French Football News. His €1m (£500k) move from Crystal Palace to Lyon in 2023 was a shrewd investment, and his value has skyrocketed since.
Everton’s deal for O’Brien, reportedly worth £16m, is a coup for the Toffees, who have beaten West Ham to the punch. The Hammers’ transfer window has been marred by collapses and missed targets, including Youssef En-Nesyri, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Jhon Duran.
West Ham’s failure to secure O’Brien’s signature is a significant embarrassment, especially given Everton’s financial restrictions. The Toffees’ point deduction for PSR breaches and limited budget made their move for O’Brien seem unlikely, but they have pulled off a masterstroke.
Fabrizio Romano’s “here we go” tweet confirmed the deal, with O’Brien set to undergo a medical on Sunday ahead of signing a five-year contract. Lyon’s willingness to sell O’Brien, who exceeded expectations in Ligue 1, has been well-documented, but West Ham’s inability to capitalize on this opportunity is a concern.
Steidten’s recruitment strategy has come under scrutiny, with West Ham’s transfer window resembling a series of protracted sagas. The Hammers’ search for a center-back to partner Max Kilman continues, with Fabricio Bruno, Jacob Greaves, and Vitao all slipping through their grasp.
O’Brien’s move to Everton serves as a wake-up call for West Ham, who must reassess their transfer strategy and move swiftly to avoid further embarrassment. The Hammers’ fans are growing restless, and Steidten’s reputation is on the line.
As the transfer window enters its critical phase, West Ham must regroup and refocus their efforts. The signing of O’Brien by Everton has raised the bar, and the Hammers must respond with decisive action to avoid being left behind.
Everton Embarrass West Ham by Signing Top Tim Steidten Target Jake O’Brien
West Ham’s transfer window woes continue as Everton sign top target Jake O’Brien, a deal that has left the Hammers reeling. The 23-year-old defender, voted the best around, was a key target for West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten, but Everton’s swift move has secured his signature.
The Toffees’ signing of O’Brien is a significant blow to West Ham, who have struggled to make an impact in the transfer market this summer. With Steidten in control of recruitment, the Hammers had identified O’Brien as a priority target, but Everton’s aggressive pursuit has paid off.
O’Brien’s impressive performances for Lyon earned him widespread recognition, including being named Ligue 1 signing of the season by Get French Football News. His €1m (£500k) move from Crystal Palace to Lyon in 2023 was a shrewd investment, and his value has skyrocketed since.
Everton’s deal for O’Brien, reportedly worth £16m, is a coup for the Toffees, who have beaten West Ham to the punch. The Hammers’ transfer window has been marred by collapses and missed targets, including Youssef En-Nesyri, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Jhon Duran.
West Ham’s failure to secure O’Brien’s signature is a significant embarrassment, especially given Everton’s financial restrictions. The Toffees’ point deduction for PSR breaches and limited budget made their move for O’Brien seem unlikely, but they have pulled off a masterstroke.
Fabrizio Romano’s “here we go” tweet confirmed the deal, with O’Brien set to undergo a medical on Sunday ahead of signing a five-year contract. Lyon’s willingness to sell O’Brien, who exceeded expectations in Ligue 1, has been well-documented, but West Ham’s inability to capitalize on this opportunity is a concern.
Steidten’s recruitment strategy has come under scrutiny, with West Ham’s transfer window resembling a series of protracted sagas. The Hammers’ search for a center-back to partner Max Kilman continues, with Fabricio Bruno, Jacob Greaves, and Vitao all slipping through their grasp.
O’Brien’s move to Everton serves as a wake-up call for West Ham, who must reassess their transfer strategy and move swiftly to avoid further embarrassment. The Hammers’ fans are growing restless, and Steidten’s reputation is on the line.
As the transfer window enters its critical phase, West Ham must regroup and refocus their efforts. The signing of O’Brien by Everton has raised the bar, and the Hammers must respond with decisive action to avoid being left behind.