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26 March 2026; Jake O'Brien of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers play-off semi-final match between Czechia and Republic of Ireland at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
26 March 2026; Jake O'Brien of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers play-off semi-final match between Czechia and Republic of Ireland at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Gary Connaughton
Gary Connaughton
With a week remaining in the transfer window, it seems that there could be an unexpected move for star Jake O'Brien in the offing.
The Cork man became a key player at Everton last season, making 37 appearances in the Premier League. At 25-years old, it was assumed that he would be a key building block for the club moving forward.
However, it seems that .
reported on Monday that O'Brien was seeking assurances about playing time at centre back this season, having operated at right back for most of his time at the club. With David Moyes favouring the partnership of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, the .
It is suggested that clubs in England and Europe hold an interest in the defender, with a couple of potential options having now emerged.
are reporting that Crystal Palace and Sunderland are two teams to keep an eye on in the race for Jake O'Brien's signature, with both clubs in the market for a centre back before the end of the summer window.
O'Brien has plenty of history with Crystal Palace, having joined the club from Cork City as a 20-year old. He did not manage a first team breakthrough at Selhurst Park, eventually moving to Lyon on a permanent basis.
However, as a player they know well, they may consider the Irishman as a safe bet in the closing days of the transfer market.
Both of those clubs would also offer the opportunity to play European football this season. Sunderland will play in the Europa League after finishing seventh last season, while Crystal Palace will also feature in the competition after qualifying via their Conference League triumph.
It is said that clubs in France and Italy are also interested in the player, but they might have an issue meeting Everton's asking price.
Jake O'Brien joined Everton for a fee of £17million in 2024, an amount they would likely look to bank a profit on considering the player's form over the last 12 months or so. It is thought a deal worth £20million could be enough to get a deal over the line.
A fee of that size could make a move to Europe difficult, especially at this late point in the transfer window. There are not a huge clubs on the continent that could easily meet that asking price.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the coming days. There is every chance we could see the Ireland star on the move before the end of the month.
24 August 2026; Former Cork hurler Patrick Horgan of Davy Russells Best signs autographs after the Hurling for Cancer Research 2026 charity match between Jim Bolger's Stars and Davy Russell's Best at the Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow. Photo by Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile
24 August 2026; Former Cork hurler Patrick Horgan of Davy Russells Best signs autographs after the Hurling for Cancer Research 2026 charity match between Jim Bolger's Stars and Davy Russell's Best at the Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow. Photo by Piaras O Midheach/Sportsfile
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