Everton have emerged from the transfer window with a thin squad and a growing problem involving a 25-year-old defender who could not secure the move the club had been considering. The Telegraph via Goodison News reports that Jake O’Brien is “disillusioned” after Everton entertained interest in him but failed to complete a sale before the September 1 deadline.
The situation looks awkward because the squad has fallen to only 18 outfield players, while Christian Norgaard arrived from Arsenal injured. That leaves David Moyes with no natural full-back cover and Thierno Barry as his only recognised fit striker, after Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil and Beto all left.
Advertisement
Everton have still started the season strongly, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 before drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth, but the lack of numbers makes every injury, suspension or loss of form more costly.
Everton have little room for another O’Brien standoff
O’Brien played 37 Premier League matches last season, covering 3,126 minutes, scoring once, assisting once and helping keep 10 clean sheets. Moyes used the 6ft 6in Ireland international mainly as a hybrid false right-back, even though centre-back remains his natural position.
BOLTON, ENGLAND – JULY 25: Jake O’Brien of Everton during the pre-season friendly match between Bolton Wanderers and Everton at Toughsheet Community Stadium on July 25, 2026 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Advertisement
That mattered less while he played regularly, but reports of disillusionment after sitting out the opening matches change the picture. Moyes previously made O’Brien a regular option at right-back, despite his centre-back background.
Fulham and Leeds showed interest during the summer, yet Everton kept him without finding an agreement. Everton can’t simply park a multi-million-pound asset because the relationship has become uncomfortable.
Everton need O’Brien more than ever
The €24m valuation matters financially, especially after the club failed to recoup money from a chaotic window. More pressing, though, is Moyes’ shortage of defenders. Central defence still carries risk with Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness record.
Advertisement
Moyes’ public praise for Merlin Röhl’s willingness to play at right-back, contrasted with his criticism of O’Brien’s positional complaints, has added an unnecessary edge. Still, freezing out a 6ft 6in aerially strong defender makes little sense with so few senior options.
O’Brien gives Moyes defensive cover, set-piece threat and Premier League experience. Swallowing pride may now matter more than the failed sale, because another injury could leave Everton scrambling.
Read the full article here
