Everton defender Jake O'Brien
Everton defender Jake O'Brien
It had been reported that he was looking to leave the Blues, unhappy with his makeshift right-back position.
The defender was reportedly attracting attention from the likes of Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
However, he remained on Merseyside, and was not granted a transfer before the window closed.
O'Brien has made eight appearances in all competitions so far this season, with six coming in the Premier League.
The 21-cap Ireland international has now opened up and lifted the lid on a potential departure.
What did Jake O'Brien say about a potential Everton exit last summer?
O'Brien has now revealed whether he was close to leaving the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
In an interview with the Daily Mail on Friday, he said: “There was nothing in that.
“I was never close to leaving. People know I’m not a natural right-back but I’ll play wherever I need to, to help the team.
“We’re only a small squad so it’s important everyone chips in.
“There’s a lot of different right-backs. I see Arsenal have centre-backs playing at right-back, so I can take pointers from them but then again, I am 6ft 6in so I’m not the average shape.”
It is interesting to hear a player come out and deny a widely reported narrative.
However, the latter part of his comments will be music to David Moyes' ears.
Why Moyes will love O'Brien's comments
O'Brien has proven himself as a capable right-back, and his replacement in the role, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, has struggled.
After a stunning goal against Manchester United on his debut, the former Arsenal man played four more times.
He made an error for Mohamed Belloumi's goal in the 2-2 draw with Hull City and for Chelsea's opener in the 2-0 defeat.
Maitland-Niles has stayed on the bench for the last three league matches and only featured for four minutes in the Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle.
O'Brien may have to put up with the makeshift role for a bit longer, but by the sounds of it, he doesn't mind, as long as he is playing.
Moyes won't mind that, as he has been labelled as "terrific" by former Liverpool man Danny Murphy in 2025, when playing as a right-back.
Merlin Rohl is another option, but it seems as though Moyes prefers the Irishman due to his robust presence and experience playing in the position.
As long as he is happy, and not looking to leave, it will leave Moyes delighted, as he needs him to play there, until the Toffees can find someone who is a natural.
It is worth remembering that Maitland-Niles is a midfielder that has been converted into a defender, too.
His place in the side looks increasingly in doubt, with the door open for O'Brien once again.