Good or Bad Move: Everton SET to force a player to stay even though player is keen on leaving this January

Everton has decided not to let Jake O’Brien leave the club on loan this month, despite foreign interest in the 23-year-old centre-back. O’Brien joined Everton from Lyon for £16.4m in the summer but has yet to start a Premier League game.

The centre-back has made two substitute appearances in the top flight and started two Carabao Cup games, but has struggled to break into Sean Dyche’s starting XI. James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have been the preferred pairing at the back, with Jarrad Branthwaite recently returning from injury to take Keane’s place.

Despite being down the pecking order, Everton wants to keep O’Brien as cover in defense. The Toffees have the best defensive record in the bottom half of the Premier League, but have struggled to score goals, netting just 15 times in 18 matches.

Everton is currently only two points above the relegation zone, and pressure is mounting on Dyche to turn things around. The club is desperate to remain in the Premier League ahead of moving into their new stadium next summer.

O’Brien will have to work hard to force his way into Dyche’s starting XI, but Everton’s decision to keep him at the club suggests that they still see a future for him at Goodison Park. The centre-back has shown promise in his limited appearances, and the club may be willing to give him more opportunities in the second half of the season.

The decision to keep O’Brien also highlights the importance of having a strong squad depth, particularly in defense. With the Premier League season being notoriously unpredictable, injuries and suspensions can quickly mount up, and having a player of O’Brien’s quality waiting in the wings can be a major asset.

Everton’s transfer strategy in the January window is likely to focus on strengthening the squad, rather than letting players leave. The club has been linked with several targets, including a new striker, and it remains to be seen whether they will make any significant signings this month.

For now, O’Brien will have to bide his time and wait for his opportunity to shine. With hard work and determination, he may yet force his way into Dyche’s starting XI and become a key player for the Toffees.