Everton signed centre-back Jake O’Brien from Olympique Lyonnais for an undisclosed fee in July 2024, the Republic of Ireland international agreeing a four-year contract.

Regarded as one of Europe’s most talented young defenders, O’Brien became the Blues’ fifth signing of the summer following the loan return of Jack Harrison and arrivals of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam and forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrøm.

An international teammate of much-loved Everton captain Seamus Coleman, the 6ft 6in O’Brien joined Lyon from Crystal Palace in August 2023 and shone in France, breaking into the team and helping lift Les Gones from bottom of Ligue 1 to an eventual sixth-place finish and Europa League qualification.

A strong, composed defender with impressive aerial and passing ability, O’Brien made 32 appearances for Lyon in all competitions, also showing his qualities in front of goal by finding the back of the net five times, including in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain.

He was rewarded with his first Ireland cap against Hungary in June 2024, joining his new Blues teammate Coleman in defence in a 2-1 win.

Having started his career with hometown club Cork City, O’Brien moved to Crystal Palace’s academy on loan in February 2021 before a permanent switch to Selhurst Park six months later.

Loan spells at Swindon Town and Belgian club RWD Molenbeek followed ahead of his transfer to Lyon in August 2023.

O'Brien made his Everton bow in August 2024, starting in the 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers at Goodison Park, and getting an assist for the Blues' second goal of the night.

Often operating at right-back, O'Brien was an important player for the returning David Moyes during the second half of the season when he earned 18 of his 20 league appearances.

Striking twice for the Toffees, the defender notched late equalisers in draws against both West Ham United and Brentford.

A regular for Moyes’ Toffees in his second season on Merseyside, O’Brien made 37 Premier League appearances during 2025/26, primarily operating from the right-back role.

For the Republic of Ireland, he reached the semi-final stage of the World Cup play-offs, missing out on the tournament after a penalty shootout defeat to Czechia.

Contracted until: June 2028