Everton and Brentford consider bidding for Lyon’s Jake O’Brien | OneFootball

Brentford and Everton are set to battle for the signature of Olympique Lyonnais’ Jake O’Brien (23), reports Foot Mercato. The Bees are reportedly already in talks with the Ireland international.

Arriving last summer from Eagle Group’s owned Crystal Palace after a solid season on loan to satellite club Molenbeek, Jake O’Brien could be set for a surprising return to the Premier League this summer. The centre back was one of Lyon’s revelations of the season, whether it is under Fabio Grosso or Pierre Sage’s tenure. Brought in by the Italian tactician, the Ireland international never left Les Gones’ starting XI even after his sacking. The 23-year-old centre back logged five goals and two assists in 32 games across all competitions during his first season in France, a campaign far beyond expectations considering the Cork city born’s defender. Brought from his native Ireland to Crystal Palace in 2020, O’Brien failed to make a single appearance with the first team, playing mostly with the reserve squad before being loaned out to EFL League Two’s side Swindon Town and Belgium’s second tier side Molenbeek, with whom he got promoted to the Belgian Pro League.

After finishing 16th in the Premier League last season, Brentford is on the market to strengthen their back line. According to a report by Foot Mercato, the Bees have set their sights on the Ireland international and have already opened talks with Lyon’s centre back. Brentford might have to face fierce competition in O’Brien’s deal, as Everton is reportedly set to reignite talks with Lyon for their defender, after having already shown interest last winter. It remains to be seen if Les Gones will listen to offers for a pillar of their bac line, whose contract runs until 2027.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux