How Everton could break up 'one of Europe's best' pairings after Jake O'Brien transfer

Everton could be making a massive mistake by selling Jake O'Brien.

The Toffees are said to be open to the Republic of Ireland international's sale in the final days of the transfer window.

David Moyes has mostly used the 25-year-old at right-back, with other options preferred centrally.

A new right-back looks to be a transfer priority at Hill Dickinson Stadium and has led to uncertainty around O'Brien's future.

James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane were the three options the Scottish manager used at centre-back most last season.

The Irishman may be staring at a decrease in game time at the Merseyside outfit, but Moyes must find a place for him in his plans.

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Everton's stance on O'Brien has only recently become clear, with a late-summer sale on the cards.

The defender has been a key player for the Toffees ever since Moyes' return to the club, primarily playing at right-back.

Even if the Blues are now planning on a defensive revamp on the right for the 2026-27 campaign, having the Irish centre-back at their disposal would still make sense.

Tarkowski and Keane aren't getting any younger and O'Brien showcased decent potential when he had to play at centre-back last season during the injury crisis in L3.

The Republic of Ireland international and Branthwaite have the potential to form one of the best defensive pairings in the world.

Writing in the Liverpool Echo on 26 August, Joe Thomas said, "I think O'Brien and Branthwaite have the potential to become one of Europe's best centre-back pairings - their height, their pace, their comfort on the ball should make for a fearsome partnership."

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Getting a new right-back in wouldn't necessarily mean that O'Brien would become redundant.

Moyes hasn't shown faith in Nathan Patterson, who could also be on his way out for regular minutes elsewhere.

The Irishman could still potentially provide cover at right-back when needed.

At centre-back, Moyes wouldn't want to be left with just three senior options in Tarkowski, Branthwaite and Keane.

The former Carlisle United youngster has been injury-prone over the last few seasons, and it would be irresponsible for The Friedkin Group to leave the Scottish manager light on options at the back.

O'Brien can eventually succeed Tarkowski at the Merseyside outfit and the decision to sell him must be reversed.