Everton sign Lyon defender O’Brien

Regarded as one of Europe’s most talented young defenders, O’Brien becomes the Blues’ fifth signing of the summer following the loan return of Jack Harrison and arrivals of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrøm.

An international teammate of much-loved Everton captain Seamus Coleman, the 6ft 6in O’Brien joined Lyon from Crystal Palace last August and shone in France, breaking into the team and helping lift Les Gones from bottom of Ligue 1 to an eventual sixth-place finish and Europa League qualification.

A strong, composed defender with impressive aerial and passing ability, O’Brien made 32 appearances for Lyon in all competitions, also showing his qualities in front of goal by finding the back of the net five times, including in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain.

He was rewarded with his first Ireland cap against Hungary in June, joining his new Blues teammate Coleman in defence in a 2-1 win.

“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton,” O’Brien told evertontv. “I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.

“Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there’s a big future as well.

“When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton.

“They’ve shown the faith in me so now it’s my turn to show why on the pitch.”

The Blues’ new defender added: “I’m a ball-playing centre half, fast, I like to attack in both boxes and I like to bring a bit of excitement.

“You see how Sean Dyche develops young centre-halves and what he has done for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. The way he’s going now, the season he’s had in the Premier League, it’s obviously something I look at and something I want to replicate.

“This season, I just want to play as many games as I can and help the Club get higher up the table. It’s an exciting time and it’d be good to end the season – the last season at Goodison Park – as high up the table as we can.

“We’ve then got the new stadium, which looks great. Not just that but we’re shaping a team for the future and can push on.”

Having started his career with hometown club Cork City, O’Brien moved to Crystal Palace’s academy on loan in February 2021 before a permanent switch to Selhurst Park six months later.

Loan spells at Swindon Town and Belgian club RWD Molenbeek followed ahead of his transfer to Lyon last summer.

On his respect for the hugely-popular Coleman, now his captain for Club and country, O’Brien said: “Seamus has been on to me to sign for Everton! He’s a top guy, a brilliant captain, and to play under him here as well as with Ireland will be a privilege.

“He’s the best captain I’ve ever played under. He’s massively respected – not just here but in the football world in general.

“I’ve met all of the lads in the squad and you can sense straight away that it’s a tight-knit group. Obviously, having Seamus here will help me as well.”

After securing his fifth signing of the summer, Everton manager Sean Dyche said: “Jake further strengthens our talented core of centre-backs and adds competition to our squad which can help us continue to progress.

“He is still young but has earned valuable experience both abroad and at international level, and has many impressive attributes to become a top-quality player for Everton in the Premier League.”

Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, added: “Jake was much sought-after following an excellent season with Lyon and we are delighted he wanted his future to be with Everton.

“He’s only just turned 23 and, under the guidance of Sean and his coaching staff, can keep improving and will be a player Evertonians love to watch.

“Jake has plenty of standout qualities that we are confident will make him a valuable addition to the Club for many years to come.”