Crystal Palace make contact to sign £35,000-a-week star with same agent as Mingueza

Crystal Palace remain keen on improving their defence before the September 1st transfer deadline, and they have made an approach to sign Everton defender Jake O’Brien.

O’Brien is a centre-back by trade, but he is also capable of playing at right-back, which is a position the Eagles may need to strengthen, as Daniel Munoz is continuing to attract interest, and Everton are one of the clubs in the race for the Colombian.

However, Pierre Sage’s side have already brought in two new right-backs this summer, namely Anan Khalaili and Oscar Mingueza, with the latter player represented by the same agency as O’Brien.

As such, the Irishman may be deployed as a centre-back if he ends up moving to Selhurst Park, with Sage more in need of options in that area of the pitch, given that he uses a three-at-the-back system.

The Cork-born defender was one of David Moyes’ most important players last season, making 37 appearances in the Premier League, while he also impressed during his debut season the year prior, with compatriot Richard Dunne saying: “I think Jake O’Brien has done fantastic; he’s had to wait a long time to get his opportunity to play.

“He obviously had big success in France last year and scored quite a few goals for Lyon which got him the move to the Premier League. But he’s had to be patient, and he’s come into the team at the right time. When a new manager comes in and the first thing he does is put his trust in you as a player, you feel that confidence right away.

“He’ll feel like he wants to prove Moyes right and so far he’s done it.”

As pointed out by Dunne, the former Lyon man has a keen eye for goal, getting on the scoresheet four times during the 2023-24 campaign, and he made a number of important defensive contributions for the Toffees last season.

Jake O’Brien’s Premier League performance

• 3,124 minutes played
• 57 tackles
• 15 interceptions
• 114 recoveries
• 144 clearances
• 9 clean sheets

Crystal Palace make approach to sign Jake O’Brien

REUTERS/David Klein

Crystal Palace have now made contact regarding a deal for O’Brien, according to a report from Football Insider, which states they have registered their interest in signing the versatile defender.

However, Everton are unwilling to sanction a sale until they bring in a new right back, with Moyes still yet to bring in a replacement for Seamus Coleman, who departed at the end of his contract earlier this summer.

O’Brien, who has collected 17 Ireland caps, rakes in £35,000-a-week at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in 2028.