Everton has officially signed centre-back Jake O’Brien from Lyon on a four-year contract for £16.4 million.
The 23-year-old defender from the Republic of Ireland made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 club during the previous season. O’Brien’s transfer marks Everton’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, and the loan return of Jack Harrison from Leeds.
“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed,” O’Brien said. “I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.” He described Everton as a “huge club” with a “big future” and emphasized his desire to join the team. “When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton,” he stated. “They’ve shown the faith in me so now it’s my turn to show why on the pitch.”
O’Brien began his professional career with his hometown club, Cork City, before moving to Crystal Palace’s academy on loan. He later signed with Crystal Palace permanently. After loan spells with Swindon Town and Belgian club RWD Molenbeek, O’Brien joined Lyon last summer for an undisclosed fee.
The defender noted that he was drawn to Everton by the development of youth players under manager Sean Dyche, highlighting fellow centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite’s progress.
Dyche commented, “Jake further strengthens our talented core of centre-backs and adds competition to our squad which can help us continue to progress. He is still young but has earned valuable experience both abroad and at international level, and has many impressive attributes to become a top-quality player for Everton in the Premier League.”
