Everton are ready to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien, according to The Athletic, with the Republic of Ireland defender attracting interest from clubs in England and across Europe as the transfer deadline looms.
Everton bracing for O’Brien departure as deadline approaches
The 25-year-old started 35 Premier League matches last season, playing 3,124 minutes. There was a catch, though. Almost all of that work came at right-back rather than his preferred centre-back role. That could now have a bearing on his future.
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Moyes faces a tricky decision
David Moyes has used O’Brien as a makeshift right-back for much of the campaign, but it has never looked like a natural fit. Everton’s right-sided build-up was among the least adventurous in the division, with only 22.9% of their passes going down that flank.
O’Brien isn’t suddenly a poor defender. Far from it. But asking a centre-back to provide the attacking thrust expected from a modern full-back was always going to have its limitations. There were few overlaps. Crosses were hardly flying into the box. Everton’s right side often felt predictable.
O’Brien, meanwhile, wants to play in the middle again. At 25, he needs regular football in his best position, not another season spent filling a hole. And that is where the numbers inside Everton’s squad become awkward.
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Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane already provide Moyes with three senior centre-back options. O’Brien’s route into the starting XI, centrally at least, is hardly wide open.
Selling O’Brien could make sense
STUTTGART, GERMANY – AUGUST 08: Jake O’Brien of Everton FC in action during the during the pre-season friendly match between VfB Stuttgart and Everton at MHP Arena on August 08, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
Financially, Everton can still command a respectable fee. O’Brien is valued in the €18 million-plus bracket, and interest from overseas could give the club room to negotiate. There is a sporting argument, too.
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If Everton sell him and use part of the money to bring in a specialist right-back, the squad could actually become more balanced. Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz and Fulham’s Timothy Castagne are among the names attracting attention.
That would leave Moyes short at centre-back, though. Three senior options is thin for a Premier League side heading into a packed autumn schedule. One injury and the problem becomes rather more serious. So yes, there is risk.
But keeping O’Brien simply because Everton need bodies isn’t especially clever. He wants a central role. Moyes needs a proper right-back. The club have an opportunity to solve one problem with another.
Beto’s situation adds another factor. Italian clubs are expected to show interest in the striker, while Chelsea’s Liam Delap has been identified as a possible replacement. For Everton, the final days of the window could get very busy indeed, and O’Brien may be right in the middle of it.
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