Everton have secured the signing of Jake O’Brien but the Republic of Ireland defender could be Sean Dyche’s final signing this summer.
The Toffees are gearing up for another Premier League campaign and will be hoping for a less dramatic affair than recent years.
Scrapes with the drop zone have been compounded by points deductions for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
That means Everton have to wheel and deal in order to strengthen and pull away from the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
Let’s start with the departures; Amadou Onana has joined Aston Villa alongside teammate Lewis Dobbin, whilst defender Ben Godfrey has jetted off to Italy with Atalanta.
Everton have managed to strike a number of incoming deals though, with Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam coming in following the Dobbin deal.
Iliman Ndiaye has signed permanently from Marseille and loan deals have been struck for both Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.
Sean Dyche on Everton transfers
Everton have now spent on a new centre back having brought in Lyon defender Jake O’Brien this week.
HITC reported that Everton had agreed a £16million move for O’Brien and the deal has now been confirmed.
An enormous defender at 6ft 6in tall, O’Brien was previously on the books at Crystal Palace but never made a Premier League appearance.
O’Brien’s ‘aerial presence’ has been praised by former boss Ben Garner and Everton will hope to see him develop into a quality centre back.
O’Brien has seemingly been signed to offer competition for James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite despite the latter being in demand this summer.
Everton boss Sean Dyche has now commented on his plans with the final month of the transfer window now upon us.
Speaking to Sky Sports after Wednesday’s friendly with Coventry City, Dyche indicated that he isn’t actually expecting more signings.
Dyche seemingly needs somebody to leave in order to fund more additions and is expecting a quiet August.
Dyche highlighted Everton’s financial situation but offered some praise to director of football Kevin Thelwell for managing to bring signings in.
“So far, I think it’s unlikely unless something happens with someone going out, but I think the finances are what they are,” said Dyche. “I think everyone knows that and I’ve tried to be as clear as I can about that, so I knew it would be a challenge.”
“Some of these deals, Kevin [Thelwell] has managed to construct for us which protect the club, but yeah, I’d be a little bit surprised if there’s too much else going on,” he added.
Who could leave Everton?
Keeping Branthwaite is the absolute key for Everton and the sale of Onana to Villa should ease the financial burden on the Toffees.
HITC understands that Everton are standing firm and will not sell Branthwaite for less than £70million.
Everton may look to sell other players in the squad but few will bring in major funds.
In our opinion, Neal Maupay may be available after his Brentford loan spell and O’Brien’s arrival may lead to questions about Michael Keane and Mason Holgate.
Sky Sports reported in January that Beto is wanted by Bologna as a replacement for Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee.
The Portuguese striker only joined Everton last summer but the Toffees may be tempted to cash in if Bologna make a bid.
- READ: 50 MOST LIKELY PREMIER LEAGUE, EFL AND EUROPEAN SUMMER 2024 FOOTBALL TRANSFERS
The post 'I think everyone knows': Sean Dyche shares honest verdict on more Everton signings after Jake O'Brien deal appeared first on HITC.
Next
