Amina UmarEverton FC is confident in their pursuit of Lyon defender Jake O’Brien, believing he will choose a move to Goodison Park over West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.
The Toffees have already signed Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye from Aston Villa and Marseille, respectively, and are keen to add O’Brien to their squad.According to The Sun, Everton values O’Brien at £20 million, while Lyon is seeking £30 million for the Republic of Ireland international.
Despite the disparity in valuation, Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, is hopeful of bridging the gap and securing O’Brien’s signature.The 23-year-old defender has impressed in his first full season in Ligue 1, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 27 appearances. His performances have caught the attention of several clubs, including West Ham and Nottingham Forest, but Everton believes O’Brien prefers a move to Merseyside.
While Lyon’s £30 million asking price may seem steep, Everton is wary of the risks involved in spending such a significant sum on a player with limited experience in major European leagues. O’Brien has only recently completed his first full season in Ligue 1, having previously spent time on loan at Swindon Town and RWD Molenbeek from Crystal Palace.Lyon signed O’Brien for a mere €1 million (£847,211) in August 2023, and while he has shown promise, he still has much to prove. A £30 million move would represent a significant gamble for Everton, and the club is right to be cautious.
However, if Everton can negotiate a reasonable fee, O’Brien’s addition would be a significant coup for the club. His signing would bolster the Toffees’ defense and provide a long-term solution at center-back.In addition, The Sun reports that several clubs have been alerted to the potential availability of Michael Keane, who may be put up for sale if a deal for O’Brien materializes. Keane’s departure would leave a significant void in Everton’s defense, making the signing of O’Brien even more crucial.
In conclusion, Everton’s pursuit of Jake O’Brien is a calculated risk, but one that could pay off in the long term. The club’s confidence in securing his signature is a testament to their faith in his abilities, and their willingness to spend to strengthen their defense. While the valuation disparity between Everton and Lyon may be a hurdle, the Toffees are hopeful of finding a mutually beneficial agreement that will bring O’Brien to Goodison Park.
Sport nation
