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Transfers
Fabrizio Romano claims Everton now set to sign ‘excellent’ player West Ham made move for
Everton and West Ham United have both been fairly busy on the transfer front this summer.
The Toffees and the Hammers have both signed three players apiece over the past few weeks.
Both Everton and West Ham will be eager to strengthen their ranks in hope of better seasons next time round.
The Toffees battled relegation once again last term, while the Hammers failed to qualify for Europe after three consecutive seasons in continental competition.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has provided a major update on an “excellent” player wanted by both Everton and West Ham this summer.
Everton set to sign West Ham target Jake O’Brien
The player in question is Republic of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien, who helped Lyon survive relegation from Ligue 1 last season.
Just a month ago, Romano reported that West Ham had made a move for the 23-year-old.
Although West Ham went on to sign Max Kilman, they are reportedly still looking for reinforcements at the back.
However, barring a dramatic late twist, it looks as though they’ve lost out to Everton in the race for O’Brien.
Romano took to X with two consecutive updates on the Toffees’ pursuit of the Irishman.
In the first, the transfer insider said Everton had agreed a deal in principle with Lyon for O’Brien.
Just 11 minutes later, Romano reported that O’Brien is “also ready to accept the five-year contract” Everton have offered him.
Medical tests are now being planned for either Sunday or Monday, and Romano then concluded by saying “here we go”.
Who is Everton and West Ham target Jake O’Brien?
Jake O’Brien is a 23-year-old defender who plays for French Ligue 1 side Lyon and represents the Republic of Ireland at international level.
The 6ft 5in powerhouse came through the ranks at Irish side Cork City before joining Crystal Palace’s academy in 2021, and took in a number of loan spells while on their books.
Last year, Lyon signed O’Brien for just €1million (£850,000) and, despite initially arriving as a prospect for the future, he quickly became a key player for Les Gones.
He made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals in Ligue 1 and finishing as the club’s second-top scorer in the league, behind only striker and captain Alexandre Lacazette.
Scouting outlet compared O’Brien’s style of play to that of Stefan de Vrij, Chris Smalling and Virgil van Dijk.
‘He’s a CB with excellent positioning and an understanding of different roles and systems,’ Chris Beaumont wrote on TFA.
‘Capable of performing in a back-three as the middle CB commanding his line and as a RCB in a back-four.
‘He manages correct body postures for each action. He jumps proactively off his line with decent technique to defend from behind.
‘He has the awareness to catch opponents running at his blind side and covers teammates at wide channels, being able to get to the ball first, thanks to his strong stride and timing.
‘In defensive duels, he’s focused on the ball and shows excellent skills to push away cleanly players, using his body positively.
‘He’s imposing in the air, clearing long passes and crosses excellently due to his – very – tall height.’