Everton Completes Signing of O'Brien from Lyon

Everton has announced the signing of centre-back Jake O'Brien from Lyon on a four-year deal worth £16.4 million. The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland defender made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 team last season.

O'Brien is Everton's fifth signing of the summer, joining midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, and the returning Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds.

"I'm buzzing and so happy to have signed," O'Brien stated. "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."

He expressed his belief that Everton is a "huge club" with a "big future." O'Brien noted, "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 began his football career with his hometown club, Cork City, before joining Crystal Palace's academy on loan. He later signed permanently with the Premier League club. Following loan spells with Swindon Town and Belgian club RWD Molenbeek, he joined Lyon for an undisclosed fee last summer.

The defender highlighted Everton manager Sean Dyche's success in developing young talent, including fellow centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, as a key factor in his decision to join the club.

Dyche commented on the signing, stating, "Jake further strengthens our talented core of centre-backs and adds competition to our squad which can help us continue to progress. He is still young but has earned valuable experience both abroad and at international level and has many impressive attributes to become a top-quality player for Everton in the Premier League."