Everton could land ‘incredible’ Jake O’Brien upgrade as stunning stats revealed
Everton’s possible European pursuit hinges on a successful January transfer window.
The Toffees are in desperate need of a new striker, having watched Thierno Barry and Beto struggle to assert their dominance at the top end of the pitch.
Beto has scored twice in 2025/26, while Everton’s summer signing Barry has yet to find the net since completing his big-money transfer from Villarreal.
Everton have been linked to Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, along with Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, although both are expected to snub David Moyes’ project in favour of European football.
A clinical centre-forward, meanwhile, isn’t the only position on Moyes’ shopping list, seeing a right-back addition as priority.
Everton could sign Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez
Everton’s right-back options leave much to be desired. Nathan Patterson is currently out injured and has struggled to become a regular starter, while Seamus Coleman’s impact these days is more so in the dressing room rather than on the pitch.
That is why Jake O’Brien has been playing out of position at Everton, with the Irishman filling in on the right side of defence.
But finally, a lack of depth and quality in this position could be addressed in January, as Everton hold a strong interest in Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez.
- Sanchez has made 10 La Liga appearances this season, starting once and notching one assist
- He has represented Spain at U17, U19 and U21 levels
- Sanchez ended the 2024-25 campaign with eight goal involvements in the league
Sanchez was on Everton’s radar during the summer and they were joined by Napoli and Wolves in the race for his signature.
Now, the Italian side are preparing a move for the 22-year-old, who would be the perfect upgrade on O’Brien.
Sanchez’s impressive stats
In Moyes’ system, he utilises his full-backs more traditionally, expecting them to prioritise defending over attacking.
The Scotsman would therefore welcome the addition of Sanchez, who ranks in the top nine per cent for tackles per 90 when compared against his positional peers and the top six per cent for blocks.
| Juanlu Sanchez’s impressive per 90 stats |
| 2.81 tackles |
| 1.68 blocks |
| 1.17 aerials won |
| 1.69 passes blocked |
| 1.87 tackles won |
Impressively, the Spaniard is also competent in attack, as he ranks in the top eight per cent of full-backs across Europe for non-penalty goals and the top 18 per cent for assists.
Sanchez, who has been dubbed ‘incredible’ for his performances at Sevilla, has the potential to become a complete right-back, and Moyes can help him fulfil that aim.
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