It was an exciting summer transfer window for Everton supporters, with the addition of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City a real marquee addition for Merseyside club. The Friedkin Group were under pressure, alongside Everton’s transfer committee, taking part in their first transfer window since joining the club.
Overall, the window has to be considered a success for Everton, strengthening in a host of different positions and bringing in players who are already making an impact. They were never going to be able to sort everything in one window, but there’s an argument to suggest that one position that has been neglected for so many years has, once again, been ignored.
Jake O’Brien Shouldn’t be Starting at Right-Back for Everton

It might seem harsh to be singling out Jake O’Brien, considering the performances he’s produced out of position have been strong, but Everton have been desperate for a new right-back for a long time, and they’ve once again failed to solve the situation. O’Brien is currently being deployed as a makeshift right-back, and although he contributes immensely defensively, he doesn’t provide width and overlapping runs like a traditional, modern day full-back.
As a result, Everton’s right-sided attackers can often become quite isolated. The likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Tyler Dibling are two players likely to be deployed on the right-hand side of attack this season, and the duo both enjoy coming into central areas, which is going to leave a lot of space on the flank.
An attacking full-back will have helped to bring out the best in Ndiaye and Dibling, but it looks as though O’Brien is going to be the starting right-back for the remainder of the season. Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are alternative options, but the former has struggled with fitness problems as he reaches the latter stages of his career, while Nathan Patterson hasn’t developed as many would have hoped.
O’Brien, who was signed by Kevin Thelwell for a fee of around £17m, has done a good job at right-back, but it shouldn’t be a long-term solution, and it’s a position they have to address in 2026 if they want to continue progressing.
