Jarrad Branthwaite 'big money' update shared by Sky Sports after Jake O'Brien deal at Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite 'big money' update shared by Sky Sports after Jake O'Brien deal at Everton
Transfers

Jake O'Brien shares Branthwaite observation as Everton transfer is finalised

Dan Godfrey
Dan Godfrey

Dan is a sports writer and broadcaster, who wrote for Breaking Media Limited's club sites between May 2024 and May 2025. Graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2018 with First Class Honours in Sports Journalism, Dan has worked with several EFL clubs, as well as with BBC Radio, talkSPORT and TNT Sports. He previously resided in Sydney, Australia, where he continued his career as a freelance writer and broadcaster in various sports.

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Jake O'Brien says he wants to replicate the rise of Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton, having completed his move to Goodison Park.

The Irish centre-half recently became the Toffees' fifth summer signing after arriving from Lyon, and could partner Branthwaite in Sean Dyche's backline this season.

The 23-year-old claims he is looking to follow a similar path to the newly capped England international, who has been in high demand throughout the transfer window after last term's performances in blue.

"With the season Jarrad has had in the Premier League and the progress he's made, that's something I look at and want to replicate," O'Brien told the official Everton website [30 July].

"I want to keep developing, and that's something the manager does with his players really well."

O'Brien to join or replace Branthwaite at Everton?

Everton were widely commended for standing firm on Manchester United's relentless pursuit of Branthwaite during the window so far, with the Toffees demanding United match the £80m for which they signed Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019.

However, the collapse of the club takeover from the Friedkin Group has weakened their position slightly, despite last week receiving a £50m fee from Aston Villa for Amadou Onana.

Dyche will be sincerely hoping 6'6'' centre-half O'Brien joins a roster of defenders including Branthwaite, as well as James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate.

Jake O'Brien
Jake O'Brien has sealed a move to Everton

O'Brien - who also claimed in his maiden club interview that captain and compatriot Seamus Coleman had been convincing him to move to Merseyside for some time - brings an eye for goal from the back to the squad, having netted five times in 32 Ligue 1 matches for Lyon last campaign.

His rise coincided with a tremendous run from Pierre Sage's side to qualify for Europe following a dismal start to the 2023-24 season.

In other Everton news, Bryan King discusses Dele Alli in the Blues squad.

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Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jake O’Brien
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