New Everton signing Jake O’Brien has admitted he turned down offers from ‘other clubs’ to join the Merseyside club this summer.
The Irish defender completed a £16.43m move (per Liverpool Echo) from French giants Lyon earlier this week, becoming Everton’s fourth major signing of the summer alongside Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and Tim Iroegbunam.
O’Brien — capped twice for the Republic of Ireland at senior level — enjoyed an excellent season in France in 2023/24, registering five goals and two assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, while he was first among outfield Lyon players for clearances (96) and long passes completed (91) in Ligue 1.
Naturally, that sort of form attracted a number of potential suitors. However, the ‘history’ of Everton was enough to persuade him.
“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton,” O’Brien told evertontv. “I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.
“Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there’s a big future as well.
“When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton.
“They’ve shown the faith in me so now it’s my turn to show why on the pitch.”
O’Brien reveals ‘brilliant’ Seamus Coleman influence
Captain’s orders: sign for the Toffees. ?@IrelandFootball ??? pic.twitter.com/3VhvINHxxB
— Everton (@Everton) July 30, 2024
O’Brien is the second Republic of Ireland international in Sean Dyche’s squad now alongside long-time club captain Seamus Coleman.
The two are, of course, already very familiar with one another and O’Brien admitted his veteran compatriot played a major role in convincing him to come to Goodison Park.
“Seamus has been on to me to sign for Everton! He’s a top guy, a brilliant captain, and to play under him here as well as with Ireland will be a privilege,” the 23-year-old said.
“He’s the best captain I’ve ever played under. He’s massively respected – not just here but in the football world in general.
“I’ve met all of the lads in the squad and you can sense straight away that it’s a tight-knit group. Obviously, having Seamus here will help me as well.”
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