Jake O'Brien Considers Everton Exit as Premier League Clubs Show Interest
With the window ticking into its final week, Jake O'Brien has suddenly become one of the most intriguing Irish names on the market.
Twelve months ago, the Cork defender looked nailed on as part of Everton’s long-term spine. He was a mainstay at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season, trusted, durable, and regularly in the XI. But he was also out of position.
David Moyes leaned heavily on James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite at centre back, pushing O'Brien almost exclusively to right back. He did the job, and did it well, yet his preferred role remains in the middle of the defence. That tension now sits at the heart of his future.
The 23-year-old wants consistent minutes at centre back. Everton can’t offer that right now. And so the door has opened.
Premier League move most likely
Interest has arrived from both England and the continent, but the numbers involved mean a Premier League move is viewed as the most realistic outcome if he leaves.
Leeds United have joined the chase, according to Football Insider, as they look to add proven top-flight quality to their back line. Crystal Palace, one of O'Brien’s former clubs, are also understood to be keen on bringing him back.
There is a major caveat. Everton will only seriously consider a sale if they first secure a new right back before the deadline. They know exactly what they would be losing.
O'Brien was the club’s first-choice right back last season and impressed in the role. With Seamus Coleman departing in the summer, that position has already been stripped of experience and depth. Merlin Rohl started there in the win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, but he is not a natural in that role either.
Sell O'Brien now without a replacement and Everton risk leaving themselves short on two fronts. Not only would they weaken right back, they would also be down to just three senior centre backs in the squad.
Everton’s dilemma, O'Brien’s decision
That is the balancing act. From the club’s perspective, they cannot afford to be reckless. From the player’s side, the picture is just as clear.
O'Brien is not first choice in his preferred position. He sees the club actively searching for someone to take his current spot at right back. The message is obvious: his minutes, wherever he plays, are under threat.
No surprise, then, that other clubs are circling. Sunderland have also been credited with an interest, adding another option to a growing list of potential destinations should he decide to move on.
A fee in the region of £20million is thought to be enough to tempt Everton into a deal. But again, only once they have strengthened their own defensive options.
So the clock runs down, the phone calls go in, and one of Ireland’s most versatile defenders waits.
Does he stay and fight for a role that may never fully be his, or cash in on the momentum of last season and walk into a back line built around him elsewhere?
