Everton transfer news as Lyon defender Jake O’Brien wanted amid ‘complicated’ exit stance
Everton are interested in signing Lyon defender Jake O’Brien in the January transfer window, according to Foot Mercato.
The French news outlet shares (4 December) that the Toffees are considering making a move for the Irish defender who is “already proving to be very valuable” despite Lyon’s 18th-placed position in Ligue 1.
However, it is believed that O’Brien is happy at Les Gones and Lyon are not interested in letting the “formidable” 22-year-old go who is their top scorer this season, with three goals from seven appearances [Transfermarkt].
Also, the matter seems “complicated” given Everton’s own position in the Premier League table following their points deduction.
Make a move
There isn’t much room for optimism at Lyon this season. The prestigious French club are currently rock bottom of Ligue 1 having won just one game all season.
However, O’Brien has certainly been their biggest success story in an otherwise dour and disappointing season, registering three goals from seven appearances and emerging as a permanent fixture in the team.
The Ireland U21 international has also scored Lyon’s last three goals in Ligue 1 and is the club’s joint-top scorer, alongside Alexandre Lacazette.
O’Brien’s performances have come as a surprise, as despite arriving August, it was expected that he would leave on loan to get more first-team experience. However, he quickly impressed then-manager Laurent Blanc before consolidating his place in the starting line-up under Fabio Grosso.
Everton’s interest in the talented defender is of no surprise given his stunning development and their lack of options in the role, with Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane likely to depart Goodison Park as soon as January.
The Toffees are certainly looking for the next Jarrad Branthwaite but any move will be made complicated by Lyon’s stance but should there be funds available, Everton can certainly still push ahead with their attempts to sign him given the French outfit’s current position.
