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Jake O'Brien Demand Could Reportedly Lead To Shock Everton Exit Before Deadline

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13 November 2025; Jake O'Brien of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

[Gary Connaughton

Gary Connaughton](https://www.balls.ie/author/gary-connaughton/)

Carlsberg

With just over a week remaining in the transfer window, we are likely to see further players on the move before the end of deadline day.

The likes of , Sammie Szmodics, Festy Ebosele, and Alex Murphy have switched clubs in recent weeks. That list is only likely to grow longer as players such as Chiedozie Ogbene, Will Smallbone, and Seamus Coleman seek out new teams.

In saying that, one name we weren't expecting to see move on was Jake O'Brien.

The Cork man became a key player for Everton last season, making 37 appearances in the Premier League. It was assumed he would do something similar in this campaign, although he was left out of the starting lineup for their win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

It now seems as though some doubts are emerging around his future at the club.

are reporting that Everton are set to 'listen to offers' for Jake O'Brien before the end of the transfer window, with the player attracting interest from English, Italian, and French clubs.

It is suggested that the Ireland international is keen to play in his natural centre back role this season, a position where manager David Moyes currently favours James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. With Everton unable to offer guarantees in that regard, O'Brien is apparently willing to move on in order to facilitate a change of position.

The 25-year old operated almost exclusively as a right back at club level last season, a role he has also filled with Ireland on occasion. He joined Everton for a fee worth £17million in 2024, a figure they would likely look to make a profit on in any potential deal.

It is said that Everton are in the market for a right back before the end of the window, and with Tarkowski and Branthwaite favoured at centre back, Jake O'Brien may well be worried about his playing prospects this season.

He did not feature at all in the win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, with Merlin Rohl favoured at right back.

The Irishman would likely intrigue a number of Premier League clubs, while a return to the continent may also appeal after his successful spell at Lyon.

In any case, it seems as though he could be set for a surprising exit from Everton over the coming days.

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