Done Deal: ANOTHER world-classs signing has JUST been completed completed, PLAYER arrives the TOFFEEs for medicals today, he is the missing PIECE in Everton squad

Everton Closing in on Fifth Summer Signing: Jake O’Brien Set to Join from Lyon

Everton is on the verge of completing their fifth signing of the summer transfer window, with Jake O’Brien poised to join from Lyon in a deal worth around £17 million. The 23-year-old centre-back has been impressive for Lyon, making 32 appearances and scoring five goals in the 2023-24 season.

O’Brien’s move to Everton comes just a year after leaving Crystal Palace, where he struggled to break into the first team. However, his time in Ligue 1 has seen him develop significantly, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including West Ham and Wolves.

John Textor, the majority owner of Lyon and part-owner of Crystal Palace, has played a crucial role in O’Brien’s development. Textor’s multi-club portfolio includes Lyon, Palace, and Belgian second-tier side RWD Molenbeek, where O’Brien had a loan spell.

In an interview with BBC Sport in March, Textor admitted that O’Brien wasn’t ready for the Premier League when he left Palace. However, his time in Ligue 1 has seen him grow significantly, with Textor stating that “now we have teams in the Premier League that are calling on him.”

O’Brien’s signing will bolster Everton’s defensive options, which have been depleted by the sale of Ben Godfrey to Atalanta earlier in the window. He will join James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite in the centre-back pecking order, although he may have to bide his