Everton have signed central defender Jake O'Brien from Lyon on a four-year deal.
The 23-year-old, who stands at 6ft 6in tall, becomes the Toffees' fifth summer arrival.
What to expect from Jake O'Brien on the pitch - from the man himself... 💬
— Everton (@Everton) July 30, 2024
Watch his first interview now! ⬇️
“You see how Sean Dyche develops young centre-halves and what he has done for Jarrad [Branthwaite]," O'Brien told the official club website.
"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."
Who is Jake O'Brien?
Born on 15 May 2001 in County Cork, O'Brien was a talented sportsman growing up, combining boxing, hurling and Gaelic football.
He began his youth career as a footballer at Cork City before making his senior debut for the club in 2019.
O'Brien moved on loan to Crystal Palace in February 2021, with the move made permanent six months later.
The centre-back spent loan spells at Swindon Town and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek before joining Lyon in August 2023 without making a league appearance for Palace.
He featured 32 times for Lyon in all competitions last season, scoring five goals.
O'Brien represented Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level before making his senior debut in a friendly against Hungary in June earlier this year.
What type of player is he?
“I'm a ball-playing centre half, fast, I like to attack in both boxes and I like to bring a bit of excitement," O'Brien said.
How will he fit in at the club?
Branthwaite and James Tarkowski established themselves as Everton's first-choice centre-back pairing last season, although Branthwaite has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.
In matches where Sean Dyche operates with a three-man defence, O'Brien will be competing with the likes of Michael Keane and Mason Holgate for a starting spot.
Everton's 2024/25 transfer activity
It's been a busy summer at Everton, with attacking midfielders Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom arriving, while Jack Harrison rejoined the club on another season-long loan. Tim Iroegbunam joined from Aston Villa, with Amadou Onana and Lewis Dobbin heading in the opposite direction, while Ben Godfrey completed a permanent move to Atalanta.
When might O'Brien be in action for Everton?
Everton continue their pre-season preparations at Coventry City on Tuesday night, before visiting fellow Championship side Preston North End on Saturday. They begin their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 17 August.
