Jake O’Brien set for Everton medical as deal agreed in principle – Fabrizio Romano
Everton have agreed a deal in principle to sign Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian transfer specialist reported via his personal X account (27 July) that the player’s medical could take place on Sunday (28 July) if personal terms are agreed.
It is understood that a five-year contract is on the table at Goodison Park, with the Toffees maintaining an interest in O’Brien since the summer transfer window opened.
Everton agree deal for Jake O’Brien transfer
The Toffees’ defence was one of Sean Dyche’s greatest assets last season, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski forming an unbreakable bond ahead of shot-stopper Jordan Pickford.
However, the centre-back pairing was the only real option for Dyche last term, with Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey dropping down the pecking order, and Mason Holgate being loaned out.
With Branthwaite now being linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer, and refusing to put pen to paper on a new contract [Daily Mail], the Toffees are clearly preparing for a possible defensive exit.
O’Brien, a talented defender in Ligue 1, is much less likely to demand a wage up to £160,000 a week, making him a much more suitable option on Merseyside as the club struggle with financial concerns.
Dan Friedkin looked set to complete a takeover at Goodison Park, which would have helped solve some of those problems, but the AS Roma owner decided against buying the club due to the debt currently owed.
Everton insider Bryan King exclusively told Goodison News on 7 July that the takeover hit a “stumbling block” due to the money that was owed to 777 Partners.
Despite this, Everton are still pressing ahead with transfers, with Tim Iroegbunam, Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom already joining the club, and the 23-year-old defender could be another exciting addition.
In other Everton news, an update has emerged on a starting defender amid a “major cause for concern”.
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