Jake O’Brien set for Everton announcement as transfer update emerges after medical
Everton are expected to confirm the signing of centre-back Jake O’Brien on Tuesday 30 July, according to Alan Myers.
The Sky Sports journalist responded to a supporter via X on 29 July to say that he expected the Republic of Ireland defender would be announced “tomorrow”.
O’Brien was on Merseyside for a medical on Monday ahead of completing a £17million switch from Lyon to become the fifth first-team signing of the transfer window.
He will join Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye in making a permanent move, while Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom have arrived on loan.
Sean Dyche to strengthen Everton defence amid Jarrad Branthwaite focus
O’Brien’s arrival is reported to have no bearing on the transfer status of star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, but the club is expected to listen to offers for Michael Keane and Mason Holgate after the Irish international signs [The Guardian, 29 July].
Having landed three attacking recruits it looks like the defence has now become the focus, while there is also a need to fully replace Amadou Onana in the centre of midfield.
Iroegbunam has looked good in preseason after making the opposite switch from Aston Villa but Kalvin Phillips is thought to be a target that Sean Dyche has high hopes for [Mirror, 28 May].
The manager and Kevin Thelwell will likely be feeling fairly satisfied with the incoming business so far this summer, particularly in comparison to recent windows.
Departures were thought to be inevitable leading into the market but the ability to secure multiple reinforcements has been a definite positive.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still a prime candidate to be sold though [The Times, 19 July] and additions in a few positions look necessary so the Toffees could be busy right up towards the deadline.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are now in the race to snap up a new left-back who is available and affordable.
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