Ajax update emerges in transfer race for Everton-linked Jake O’Brien
Ajax have “firmly” joined Everton in the transfer race for Lyon defender Jake O’Brien this summer, according to Mike McGrath.
The Telegraph journalist reported via X on Thursday (25 July) that the European giants are also keen on signing the Republic of Ireland international who has attracted plenty of attention since moving to France.
Although it doesn’t appear to be clear who the frontrunner is in the battle for his signature, there is an expectation that O’Brien will have to make a decision about his future sooner rather than later.
Everton’s Premier League rivals Brentford are also understood to hold an interest in the 23-year-old with reports from France suggesting they have made contact over a potential signing [Foot Mercato, 24 July].
Will Jake O’Brien exit Lyon amid summer Everton and Ajax transfer interest?
Everton have never appeared to have a free run at O’Brien’s signature this summer, but over the last few weeks, it feels as if competition for the young defender is growing with each passing day.
On the face of it, Sean Dyche isn’t crying for more depth at centre-back as he already has both James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, but beyond the starting pair, there is a lack of options for the Blues boss.
Ben Godfrey has already left Goodison Park while Micheal Keane has been surrounded by speculation already this summer. If anything happened to Branthwaite or Tarkowski, Dyche’s hands would be tied this season.
O’Brien would not only be able to provide depth in the event of an injury or suspension but also step into the fold as a regular starter in the future as he clearly has the skill set to perform in one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
The Toffees will likely have to spend big to beat their competition to O’Brien’s signature so now it will just come down to how much money Dyche and Thelwell are able to spend this summer.
In other Everton news, an update has emerged around the Toffees’ interest in Wilfried Gnonto as Jesper Lindstrom’s move is now close
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