Everton weigh £24‑£26m offer for O’Brien in January as Palace push

Everton Face January Transfer Dilemma Regarding Defender After Palace Renew Interest Should Moyes Cash, as Crystal Palace prepare another bid for 25‑year‑old Irish centre‑back Jake O’Brien. The Toffees paid roughly £20m for the defender last summer and could fetch £24‑£26m in January.

Palace’s renewed pursuit

Palace remain keen to sign the 25‑year‑old centre‑back after a summer deal fell through. They need another central defender following Maxence Lacroix’s departure, and O’Brien’s former academy link makes the move attractive. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown says Palace’s familiarity with his personality and training standards gives them an edge in any new negotiation.

Everton almost lost O’Brien at the end of the summer window when Palace reportedly agreed a fee of £24m‑£26m, according to former Everton scout Bryan King. The Toffees had paid roughly £20m for the defender, meaning a potential transfer could yield a modest profit. Negotiations collapsed, leaving O’Brien in Merseyside.

Everton’s defensive calculus

O’Brien has featured for just 16 minutes across Everton’s opening matches under David Moyes, leading to frustration. The limited game time fuels speculation that the club might entertain fresh offers in January if a suitable bid arrives.

Moyes must weigh the depth of his back line; Jarrad Branthwaite’s hamstring history, James Tarkowski’s age of 33, and Michael Keane’s contract situation all limit options. Reliable centre‑back cover is essential for the demanding second half of the season.

Although O’Brien can operate at right‑back, his natural position is centre‑back and Moyes should aim to give him regular opportunities there. Consistent minutes are crucial for his development and for the team’s stability.

A £24m‑£26m offer would bring a profit, yet selling to a Premier League rival could strengthen Palace while leaving Everton scrambling for an expensive January replacement. Holding firm may protect defensive depth until a quality centre‑back is secured.

Consequently, David Moyes is expected to retain O’Brien and hold firm, only considering a sale if a comparable defender arrives. The club must balance a modest financial gain against the risk of a recruitment problem in January.