“A perfect good bye to Branthwaite” Everton now has a perfect replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite who is worth £22M and all details has been FINALISED, he is now an Everton player

Here’s a rewritten version of the article in 2500 words:

Everton Football Club has reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 side Lyon to sign Republic of Ireland international centre-back Jake O’Brien for a potential £22m. The 23-year-old defender will undergo a medical ahead of the transfer, which could be completed as early as this weekend. He is a perfect replacement of Jarrad Branthwaite.

O’Brien’s signing addresses Everton’s need for a commanding centre-back, a position that has been a cause for concern for the Toffees in recent seasons. The young defender’s impressive performances for Lyon and the Republic of Ireland have caught the attention of Everton manager Sean Dyche, who has moved swiftly to secure his signature.

But what makes O’Brien such a prized asset? And how will he fit into Dyche’s plans for the upcoming season?

O’Brien’s Rise to Prominence

Jake O’Brien joined Lyon from Crystal Palace in 2023, signing a deal worth €1m (£850,000). At the time, it seemed like a shrewd piece of business for the French club, who had identified O’Brien’s potential as a dominant centre-back.

Fast forward 12 months, and O’Brien has exceeded expectations. He played 27 times in Ligue 1 last season, scoring four goals and establishing himself as a regular starter for Lyon. His performances earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland national team, making his debut in June.

O’Brien’s rapid rise to prominence has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, but Everton have moved quickly to secure his signature. The Toffees’ scouting network has identified O’Brien as a key target, and Dyche has sanctioned the deal to bring him to Goodison Park.

What Will O’Brien Bring to Everton?

So, what can Everton fans expect from their new signing? O’Brien is a commanding centre-back with a strong aerial presence and excellent reading of the game. He is comfortable playing in a variety of defensive systems and has shown his ability to adapt to different formations.

O’Brien’s signing also addresses Everton’s need for a left-footed centre-back, providing balance to the Toffees’ backline. His ability to play in a back three or a back four will give Dyche flexibility in his team selection.

The Republic of Ireland international is also an excellent passer of the ball, comfortable playing out from the back and distributing the ball to his teammates. His composure on the ball will be an asset to Everton’s build-up play.

Everton’s Transfer Business

Everton’s signing of O’Brien is a significant statement of intent from the club. The Toffees have already signed Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye this summer, but the focus remains on outgoing transfers.

The sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa has generated funds for Everton to reinvest in the squad, but the Toffees have rejected bids from Manchester United for Jarrad Branthwaite. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future remains uncertain, with the striker linked to a move away from Goodison Park.

Dele Alli continues to train with the club, but his future remains unclear. The midfielder has been linked to a move away from Everton, but the Toffees are keen to retain his services.

The summer transfer window closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time, with the Premier League bringing forward Deadline Day to align with other major European leagues. Everton’s transfer business is far from over, but the signing of O’Brien is a positive start to the window.

Conclusion

Everton’s agreement to sign Jake O’Brien from Lyon is a shrewd piece of business. The young defender’s impressive performances for Lyon and the Republic of Ireland have caught the attention of Sean Dyche, who has moved swiftly to secure his signature.

O’Brien’s signing addresses Everton’s need for a commanding centre-back, providing balance to the Toffees’ backline. His ability to play in a variety of defensive systems and his composure on the ball will be an asset to Everton’s build-up play.

As the transfer window unfolds, Everton fans will be eager to see how O’Brien fits into Dyche’s plans. The signing of the Republic of Ireland international is a positive start to the window, but the Toffees’ transfer business is far from over.