Everton sign Republic of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien in £17 million deal

Republic of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien has joined Everton from Lyon in a deal worth £17 million (€20 million).

O’Brien has signed a four-year deal with Everton, returning to the Premier League after leaving Crystal Palace last year.

The 23-year-old established himself as a key player for Lyon, and this was reflected with international recognition as he won his first two Ireland caps.

O’Brien made 27 appearances for Lyon, and scored four goals.

The 6ft 6ins defender will fit right into Sean Dyche’s team, as the Everton boss favours physical players who are also technically gifted.

“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.

“You see how Sean Dyche develops young centre-halves and what he has done for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. The way he’s going now, the season he’s had in the Premier League, it’s obviously something I look at and something I want to replicate.

“This season, I just want to play as many games as I can and help the club get higher up the table. It’s an exciting time and it’d be good to end the season – the last season at Goodison Park – as high up the table as we can.”

O’Brien will now be playing his club football with his Ireland teammate Seamus Coleman.

Sourse: breakingnews.ie