Unhappy O'Brien eyes exit as Coleman departs Everton

Unhappy O'Brien is on the brink of departing Everton, with the Irish international’s two‑year stint at right back ending as he seeks a return to his natural centre‑half role, while the club’s dwindling Irish contingent adds urgency to the looming transfer deadline.

Transfer background

Jake O'Brien arrived at Everton in the summer of 2024 from Lyon for a fee of £17 million (€19.9 million). The 25‑year‑old had impressed at centre‑back that season, making 32 appearances and scoring five goals. His signing was intended to bolster the Toffees’ defensive options.

He earned the player of the month award in December, edging out Vitinha, Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe for the accolade. The recognition highlighted his immediate impact despite being deployed away from his preferred position.

Everton role and performance

During his first year O'Brien found himself on the right side of defence, covering for the ageing Seamus Coleman when injuries struck. Manager David Moyes valued his extra height and defensive nous, and O'Brien logged 40 appearances, showcasing aerial dominance at six‑foot‑six and a surprising burst of pace.

Although his attributes suit a centre‑back, O'Brien says he is more comfortable centrally, noting that the lack of attacking contribution typical of modern full‑backs left him feeling out of place. The Corkman’s size creates chaos on set‑pieces, yet he missed the forward thrust expected from wide defenders.

He was an unused substitute in Everton’s Premier League opening‑day win over Crystal Palace, with new captain James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite starting centrally to keep a clean sheet. The bench also featured Michael Keane and Nathan Patterson, underscoring the depth in defence.

Interest and deadline

As the transfer deadline approaches, Premier League clubs have begun sniffing around, with Sunderland, Leeds and former side Crystal Palace reported to be interested, alongside unnamed teams from Italy and France. A late move would leave Everton short at right back, especially as Coleman, who has been training with his old GAA club Killybegs, still ponders his own future after leaving Merseyside last year.

O'Brien’s departure would further shrink Everton’s Irish representation, leaving only goalkeeper Mark Travers as the remaining Irish player. While past Irish stalwarts such as Kevin Kilbane, Lee Carsley, Kevin Sheedy, James McCarthy and Coleman each logged over 100 appearances, Travers made no Premier League or FA Cup appearances last season, featuring only twice in the Carabao Cup.

Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside, “I’m confident that we’ll bring a right back in… I understand the fans’ frustrations… we are working hard to bring one in and I’m sure it will round off the squad nicely.” The statement hints that O'Brien may soon compete solely for a centre‑back spot, but the final decision rests on his next club as the deadline looms.