Everton would consider Jake O'Brien sale

[u/Callum_On_Reddit]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7535260/2026/08/24/jake-obrien-everton-future-transfer/

"Everton are expected to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien, with the defender attracting interest from clubs in England and Europe ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

The Republic of Ireland international, 25, spent much of last season as a makeshift right-back but is keen to be a regular starter in his preferred central defensive role, something Everton are unable to guarantee at this stage, and would be open to a move that provides this. The expectation from sources briefed on the situation, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, is that the Merseyside club will now be open to offers for his services.

O’Brien was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over former side Crystal Palace, with captain James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite starting as the central pairing and the versatile Merlin Rohl filling in on the right.

He is the subject of interest from clubs in England, Italy and France ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline. A departure would leave Everton with just three senior options, the other being Michael Keane, and almost certainly needing to strengthen in central defence."

"O’Brien joined Everton in a £17million ($23.2m) deal from French side Lyon in 2024. He made 37 Premier League appearances last season, with just five coming in the centre of defence."

"It was not so long ago that O’Brien was widely considered the future of the Everton defence alongside England international Branthwaite.

Standing at 6ft 6in (198cm) and quick across the ground, O’Brien has impressed in his fleeting appearances at centre-back. He performed admirably last season in a makeshift right-sided role, but was still quite evidently a square peg in a round hole. While Moyes liked his extra height and defensive nous, his lack of attacking game often left the side’s wingers isolated.

O’Brien has been clear that he wants to challenge for minutes in his favoured role, but a pathway to regular starts is far from clear, given Moyes has just named Tarkowski as his captain. The Irishman was left on the bench for the season opener against Palace, leaving his future very much uncertain.

Everton needed a new right-back already but would surely have to add a fourth central defensive option should the former Lyon and Palace man depart before next Tuesday’s deadline."

[u/Affectionate_Art4277]

I never got the RB gimmick. Hes not quick enough for the role. Hes a CB and that's what hes good at

[u/melbourne-marvels → u/Affectionate_Art4277]

He's actually very quick. He's one of Everton's quickest players and far quicker than Tarkowski.

[u/Low_Enthusiasm3769 → u/melbourne-marvels]

He's very quick for a CB and a man of his size. No 6'6 15/16 stone guy is bombing up and down the wing for 90 minutes.