Everton have completed the signing of centre-back Jake O’Brien on a four-year deal for £16.4 million from Lyon and could be ready to land a new striker next.
The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland defender made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 side last season as they finished sixth in the table.
He becomes Everton’s fifth summer signing after midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, and the return of Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds United.
“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton,” O’Brien said.
“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.”
O’Brien Could Soon Be Followed by a Sixth Addition
According to the latest reports from Italy, Everton are now leading the race to sign Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik.
The 30-year-old is deemed surplus to requirements at Juve this summer, having joined permanently from Marseille after a loan stint in 2022/23.
Everton are reported to be battling with West Ham to sign the Poland international, although at 30 years of age, he is not quite the same force as when he netted 48 times in 122 outings for Napoli.
Milik has also netted 17 times in 73 caps for his country but has often had to play second fiddle to Polish legend Robert Lewandowski.
Should Dominic Calvert-Lewin quit Merseyside this summer, Milik could be viewed as an ideal replacement, although having two quality No. 9s on board would be a better scenario for Sean Dyche, given his side’s struggles to score goals last season.
