Everton’s willingness to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien has raised a question among supporters over whether the club could be giving up too soon on a potential partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.
O’Brien’s future has become uncertain in the final days of the transfer window, with Leeds United and Crystal Palace reported to have registered an interest in the Republic of Ireland international.
The 25-year-old made 40 appearances in all competitions last season but spent much of it at right-back rather than in his preferred position in central defence.
He was then an unused substitute for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, with James Tarkowski partnering Branthwaite and Merlin Röhl starting at right-back.
Everton fans make O’Brien feelings clear
Speaking to BBC Sport Merseyside, Everton supporter Tony Bott offered a different view of O’Brien’s future.
“We all think that the pairing going forward should be O’Brien and Branthwaite,” he said.
It is a view that raises a legitimate question for Everton.
Branthwaite is established as a key part of the defence, while O’Brien is yet to have an extended opportunity alongside him in his natural position.
Everton may decide that a suitable offer represents good business, particularly as David Moyes continues to reshape his squad.
But selling O’Brien now would also remove the possibility of finding out whether two defenders aged 23 and 25 could eventually form the centre-back partnership many supporters want to see.
That should be part of the calculation before Everton make their decision.
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