Everton transfer budget claim emerges after Jake O'Brien development

Joe Strange has been left baffled by the Everton transfer decision to spend half their transfer budget on Jake O'Brien.

The GOAL UK journalist stated that the money would've rather been spent on an attacker, given the club's struggles in front of goal last season.

The Toffees had the fourth-best defence in the Premier League and second-worst attack, so it was a position that needed addressing.

Strange wrote on X: "Increasingly baffling that Everton, who had the fourth best defence and second worst attack last season, spent half their transfer budget on a fourth-choice centre back who might not play again this season, rather than an attacking player capable of creating/scoring goals."

Jake O'Brien has played only 26 league minutes for Everton

The Toffees did bring in Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom and perhaps did not spend big on a striker as they had done with Beto who was struggling to adapt.

With regard to O'Brien, paying £17million [The Athletic] for a player would generally mean that he's close to the first team picture or can even strengthen the playing eleven.

However, he has played just 26 minutes in the Premier League this season so the outlay is certainly not justified.

Strange does have a point as that money could've been spent on a striker who was scoring goals regularly in the Championship, for instance, as they needed someone to consistently find the back of the net.

It does not seem like this was a signing Dyche pushed for as he's given Michael Keane far too much game time in comparison.

Hopefully, the O'Brien deal pays off for the Toffees in the long run as he was signed on a four-year contract.

In other Everton news, a claim has emerged on Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the backdrop of the impending takeover.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.