Everton close in on Lyon's O'Brien

Now that's a good signing. If that goes through.

Young, hungry, with something to prove.

He could be another quality addition to the ranks and is of a good age.

Are we finally building a squad that can compete, rather than just battle relegation every season? The signs are good.

I just hope he's in to replace Holgate and Keane, and not Jarrad?

However, it also looks like a possible case of buying in Branthwaite's replacement. Hopefully it is a bit of foresight to help with possible departures next summer — rather than this summer.

Now that Kenwright and Moshiri have gone, we appear to be doing better in the transfer market.

Looks big, tall and possibly a beast, but would he be coming to sit on the bench for a season?

He is highly regarded here and I've absolutely no doubt will form the bedrock of our defence for a few years to come.

However, I fear it's because a deal has been agreed for Branthwaite. If that is so, I can live with it as long as we get other players like Gnonto and O'Riely with the money. That would present very good business this summer with minimal outlay.

Nothing to do with Branthwaite.

Hopefully we can also see a couple fullbacks in. Especially with Mykolenko being injured and Patterson not looking up to it. I'd rather not see Young at either right- or left-back.

If our DoF can also somehow offload Maupay and Holgate (either on loan or permanently), it would be a great transfer window!

Getting five players in before the season has started… I need a lie down.

Add a few more before the window closes and I'm confident we'll finish top half.

Hopefully the lingering stench of Kenwright is slowly filtering away and Moshiri soon to follow.

In fact, all that stuff about asking for £160k a week is all total bollocks.

However, the reality is that we now need to ship out Holgate and Keane, the latter of the two isn't a bad squad player but both are on too much money to be sat on our bench.

I am a little concerned about the right back and striker situation. Coleman can't go on forever and I'm sorry but I think Patterson is dreadful. If Calvert-Lewin won't sign, we need to sell but it doesn't look like anyone's banging the door down for a permanently injured striker who's goal record is patchy.

Otherwise, I think our recruitment on paper so far has been excellent.

Well done, Kevin Thelwell, if we can pull this one off.

Shows how poor our scouting is, to be fair.

You must be a laugh a minute pal. Always look for the cloud —

Never change.

Steve #21, I'd be more concerned if we sold him for £1M like Crystal Palace.

Rob #17, That's great to hear.

Not a direct replacement for Jarrad, I hope. I always prefer a right - left partnership at centre-back, proven by the Tarkowski - Branthwaite match-up last term.

Mountfield and Ratcliffe … perfection.

I'll go with Rob.

I hope it simply means we are about to jettison Holgate

“15 million, 15 million, Jake O'Brien” — not quite the same ring to it as "60 grand"… but that's inflation I suppose 😉

If it happens.

The backline is aging: Coleman, Keane, Tarkowski, Young. I'd only say Tarkowski may sill be in a blue shirt next year at a push, so fresh faces are needed.

Take yer pick.

Curious to see what the price is but think O'Brien has real potential.

“Interesting as you say Robert, hopefully this is so we can sell one or both of Holgate or Keane.”

You been drinking, mate? Selling Keane and Holgate, Christ, we will not be able to give them away.

I'd swap them both for a fish and chip supper.

The lad wants to move to the Premier League, but to London, so this could go on for a while…

Where is this information from? Because all good sources like The Athletic say he's having his medical on Sunday or Monday.

He's signing for Everton this weekend or on Monday.

Not the best player, but he's been a good servant to the club.

Some huge players on the books if we need to pinch a draw or get a late win.

Holgate contract will be terminated at the end of the transfer window.

I'd find it hard to leave Lyon, that city is the restaurant and food capital of La France, I've had many happy hours there.

Let's see.

https://www.westhamzone.com/exclusives/jake-obrien-premier-league-claim-emerges-as-west-ham-united-make-transfer-move/

Hopefully I am well off the mark and everyone can slag me off
accordingly.

Goodison News should be banned. A) you have to scroll down to the very bottom of their “news” to, B) find out it's utter shite.

If that is the case then isn't it to be applauded that, at long last, we are managing change and not floundering around wringing our hands.

Flounders eh... fish puns?

They just want to turn potential positives into negatives. I actually feel a bit sorry for them.

I totally agree. There's aways a few never happy, unless they're not happy.

Tottenham have always aligned themselves with us, they're the bridesmaids of the south and we're currently the Premier League's bridesmaids of the north.

They forget we've got a massively rich history of 9 top-flight league titles compared to their two? For them, they have always looked at Everton to aspire to; they fail year after year but still look north when players who we look at become available.

It's been laughable for years, lately it's been the two Kyle's from Sheffield, Pienaar, Richarlison, Sessegnogn, etc etc, they look at us and think, “What would Everton do?” 😜

Who on earth could be happy with a situation that probably means the sale of Branthwaite?

Why does it? We are light in that department. Glass half-full mate.

You are 100% correct. That is not the case!

You're there when I need you mate. 👍

Hopefully it's around the £17M fee reported elsewhere... as I'd still really like us to get Gnonto too.

Up to £22M apparently.

Mate, if someone had told me a month ago that we would re-sign Rondon, I'd have thought, "Well, it's fucking better than nothing!"

I'd have got behind the elasticated shorts, snail-like money thief and got on with it.

What we have done in the real world is nothing short of brilliant. I can't wait to get over and see our team again.

As others have said, hope it's not a Branthwaite replacement…

Same here, mate. Through turmoil and adversity, the people involved in transfers have done a great job, and by all accounts it's not over yet.

Such a huge change from previous seasons but some just can't, or won't, see it. UTFT.

I don't want to loose Calvert-Lewin, but say we sell him for £40M, replace him with an £80M striker — that's just good squad management!

To replace Godfrey, provide better alternatives than the likes of Keane or Holgate? Those are very good reasons, aren't they?

If you mean, don't understand how the club has suddenly seemingly been able to buy when the indications a few weeks ago were that it would be a tortuous process of sell for lots, spend a fraction sometime later then join the club, but don't claim it can only be the worst case situation until that is a dead cert.

A right back will be next in, followed by Phillips on loan. I also expect Calvert-Lewin to leave, and Milik to be signed as the replacement.

I think Everton are having a transfer window that we were not prepared for. The good thing is it doesn't close for another month and it's been exciting so far, credit to Thelwell — I think he is doing a great job.

If he does arrive and that hastens the exits of players deemed surplus to requirements, then that's prudent business and is what we have needed from the club for an age now.

Hopefully the rumours turn out to be correct and another tall young centre-back with massive potential joins during what is looking to be the best transfer period in recent times.

I wonder if Seamus has had a hand in this one?

Couldn't do any worse than Calvert-Lewin and the hapless hopeless Beto. Welcome aboard, lad!

However, I'm currently excited about the prospect of Jake and Jarrad starting against Brighton if, as some say, James will not be ready.

And then let's see what happens with the three J's.

He'd have been perfect for us. £17M too.

I'm hoping that this is just good succession planning.

Something we've not seen a lot of at Everton.

I'd accept anything above £1M.

Bloody awful… but everything else is spot-on!

Come on lads Keane is a decent player he was capped 12 times for England + loads of U21s as well, admittedly 7 years ago but I don't agree with a lot of the flak he gets.

If Branthwaite really wants to move he will get his wish, but only if Man Utd or whoever stump up what Dyche thinks he's worth.

Risky to lose him but the money if spent on players would come in handy.

Branthwaite is worth to us the equivalent of aquality Premier League or Champions League striker. As yesterday showed, we don't have any and very rarely do.

Not many Everton players stand out, but IMO Jarrad does. It annoys me how Man Utd conduct themselves. But of course it's little Everton, the joke club. Jarrad's head unfortunately will be turned though.

Hopefully it's the former of the above and we go into the new season with some strong competition at the back, but if it's the latter then let's give Everton some credit for once getting the replacement in first.

Although we've not actually signed him yet and how many times do our deals fall through!

It's hard to see any striker worth even half that being interested in joining. That takes us to the likes of Jonathan David, Ivan Toney, Santiago Gimenez or Evanilson - all players who are courted by Champions League clubs.

The replacement for Calvert-Lewin is more likely to cost between £15 and £25M - with the likeliest candidates being:

- Broja
- Denkey
- Fofana

If we sell and replace Calvert-Lewin, his replacement is very unlikely to score more than 12 goals next season (although might develop into a more prolific striker than Calvert-Lewin over time).

I'd certainly have him over Calvert-Lewin.

Looking done and dusted! 🤞

2023-24:

Abraham (Roma): 8 games (1 goal and 1 assist)
Calvert-Lewin: 32 games (7 goals and 2 assists)

2022-23:

Abraham (Roma): 38 games (8 goals and 4 assists)
Calvert-Lewin: 17 games (2 goals and 1 assist)

2021-22:

Abraham (Roma): 37 games (17 goals and 4 assists)
Calvert-Lewin: 17 games (5 goals and 2 assists)

2020-21:

Abraham (Chelsea): 22 games (6 goals and 1 assist)
Calvert-Lewin: 33 games (16 goals and 1 assist)

Early days but something about the way we have been operating this summer definitely makes me think that the club might just be becoming more professional.

Calvert-Lewin has his critics but, if we get a better team behind him, I don't think we will find a better player to lead the line. I hope he stays because I am beginning to have a much better feeling towards the direction of our team.

Right-back: Coufal on a free from West Ham is a no-brainer for me. Leaves money in the kitty for buys and loans.

If not Coufal, then Devyne Rensch, Ajax right-back, aged 21 with experience already of Champions League, Europa League and Uefa Conference League.

He can also play centre-back. Out of contract next summer. An ideal replacement for Holgate. Value at present £10M. Captains the Netherlands U21 team. Fitness not an issue.

Left-back: Leif Davis aged 24 has received good notices at Ipswich. Out of contract next summer. Current value £9M. 40 goal involvements from 133 games. Definitely one to watch.

Goalkeeper: Begovic available on a free. Knows the club. Capable and won't mind being behind Pickford and fighting Virginia for the 2nd spot. He'll keep Virginia on his toes. Competition for places — you can't beat it.

I presume that Gnonto conversations are ongoing. And maybe Phillips too.

If O'Brien gets done in the next days, then we will have done well to bring in 5 new signings before August. And all good business I'd say.

We need 4 centre-backs at least over the course of the season and I would be comfortable with Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O'Brien and Keane. However, the full-back situation is not as reassuring with two of them 37+ years old, one injured and one just coming back from injury after not being available for a significant part of last season.

I believe Thelwell will at least move for a loan signing for this position.

I hope Dixon gets the slot behind Patterson to have a go. Looks mentally brave and focused in the friendlies, well coached, pace as exhilarating as Roberto Carlos and Kyle Walker on big pitches. I don't think Dixon is far away.

If Calvert-Lewin stays, not inconceivable if the team looks good and he's scoring goals, he's worth a decent amount in the January window. Also he might even stay because why not go into the new stadium in a team moving closer to the top 6/7 with improving finance and recruitment finally?

Or is everyone else happy with Ashley Young playing there?!

Although, like Tony A said, I've seen none of them play but buying young hungry players can only bode well.

I still think Calvert-Lewin will be sold so we will need a replacement for him.

As for Gnonto, no thanks. He couldn't get in the Leeds side up until Xmas and, when he did, whenever I watched him, he didn't impress me much (with apologies to Shania).

No, we'll dodge a bullet there.

Since we can't fix everything in one window, I would have thought a new right-back is the priority — and yes, that might mean Young steps in for a handful of games at left-back (or we switch to a back 3 and put McNeil at left-wingback) but such is life.

I think Jack Convery mentioned Rensch of Ajax in this or another thread. He might be a good signing. Ki-Jana Hoever of Wolves had a tremendous season on loan for Stoke last season but is at best third choice at Wolves (behind Semedo and their new signing Rodrigo). Lots of decent players around for up to about £15M.

It would be good to move on Keane and Holgate. But I don't think Dyche will be desperate to bring in a 4th unless he gets a good fee or commitment to eat their wages for both, and that looks unlikely.

Gnonto looks like it is dragging out a 2nd year, unless Everton are prioritising other signings first. At some point, they need to move on from this one. I am not a fan, but I understand the need for an explosive right winger capable of winning a game.

The Onana money will cover Gnonto and O'Brien only, so anyone else needs to be from Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Maupay, Holgate, Keane or Patterson — or from loans. Sadly I think most of our exits will be loans and then free agents in Holgate, Keane and Maupay.

Dyche is still talking up Dele Alli, which will be the 3rd year of trying to get him fit. It seems a real low chance, but they're obviously trying their best by him.

Left-back seems the most important area to cover. I think they can get through for a period with the current right-backs. And get a new one next season.

Coleman and Young will be done, and Patterson will either have proved himself or moved on. It won't be the first time an Everton full-back struggled at first. Baines was nearly sold to Sunderland after his initial struggles.

Patterson hasn't convinced, but he's not been roasted either. His failings have been out of position and daft injuries rather than take-ons.

Ajay (93), I think we've reached our complement of loans with Harrison and Lindstrøm. Any other incomings will have to be permanent transfers. Worryingly, I only see us linked to right-backs in Tchatchoua and Preciado, no one at left-back even though Mykolenko is injured and Young is a liability.

But I could be wrong.

He gives some extra cover for defence which we will need if Holgate and Keane are released.

It will be very interesting to see how these new guys perform when they have settled in.

I

I read this on the Premier League website:
"Premier League clubs may not register more than two players on loan at any one time."

But then further down it says: "loans from a club in membership of another National Association do not count towards the above quotas."

On a side note, we've apparently approached free-agent Swiss left-back, Ricardo Rodriguez.

Always played well for Switzerland and played in the Euros, but didn't really notice if he's still good enough for the Premier League.

So is the wage bill still around 90% of income or is it lowered this season by incoming transfer fees less any never-never outgoing transfer fees?

And does it affect the number of players we can bring in on 4- or 5-year contracts, even allowing for the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Doucoure, at least, being in their final contracted year?

Chermiti still needs time
Calvert- Lewin reluctant to sign a contract
Maupay will be sold or loaned out
Jury still out on Betto

I am hoping that is one of the areas we are looking to bring someone in.

If we are getting who we want early, that's a big plus. £20M seems a big fee though for for O'Brien, unless it's similar to the Lindstrøm deal — a loan with the option to buy if he comes good.

Not big, nothing fancy, just gets the job done. Immaculately. Torino's captain. Three World Cups. Leadership, experience, and depth at two positions, centre-back and left-back. Still only 31. Yes please.

Totally agree and presumably Dyche and Thelwell think similarly; otherwise, they wouldn't have given new deals to both Coleman and Young.

I can't see us agreeing to keep them both around alongside Patterson and then heading into the market to pick up a 4th right-back.

I think he's now left Tornio with contract expiring, Mike?

Good pedigree in both Switzerland and Germany. He actually played against Everton.

According to reports, we seem set on O'Brien.

I remember when Baines was at his peak, a young Rodriguez was the only left-back in Europe with similar assist and chance creation numbers.

Most teams just play 3 centre-backs these days with two attacking wide midfielders.

Young is a liability at defending and should only be used sporadically. Mykolenko is decent but the jury is still out on Patterson. We may need to look at who's coming through the ranks.

This lad O'Brien may be a good option.

He is reliable and solid. Maybe he lacks a little going forward but I certainly wouldn't class him as only decent.

Dyche (by all accounts) doesn't seem to rate Patterson and Patterson has arguably a worse injury record than Mykolenko.

Neither Coleman nor Young should be playing regularly so right-back, for me anyway, is an absolute priority. Even if Dyche plays Patterson more, the kid's pretty injury-prone.

I'd rather we sign a decent right-back and have Patterson as cover and Coleman not play at all. Best of all, sign a decent full-back who can play both sides so neither Coleman nor Young is first cover.

Apparently, this lad O'Brien is 6ft-6in. He has experience in the English, Belgian and French leagues.

Add Kalvin Phillips too… top half here we come lads!

Mykolenko was one of (if not) the most improved players in the Premier League last season.

I'd have allowed them to leave and signed a full-back for each side, but the situation we're in is that the club captain, Coleman, has been retained and is a right-back; we have a young, developing right-back in Patterson who has international experience; and we've currently got Young, Garner, Holgate and the youngster Dixon who can play there.

On the left side, we've got injury-prone Mykolenko and 39-year-old right-footed winger Ashley Young and nobody else at all, other than perhaps a youngster, Elijah Campbell.

The fact we've retained Young suggests it's expected he will play a role. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if he is earmarked for the left-back spot as cover. Or alternatively that we go with a back 3 and play McNeil as left-wingback.

There's still a month left of the window though, so we'll see.

He was a big mistake by Man City (very rare) but his wages may kibosh any move to financially strapped clubs.

I was also disappointed both Young and Coleman were given contract extensions. I assume the finances are up in the air and we simply need the cover, especially as Godfrey wanted out.

The other players for right-back you mention are more emergency cover. We're crying out for some pace and creativity that side. Not had it in a long long while.

Still have a while before the window shuts so fingers crossed. We've done decent business so far.

They will take a little time to not only bed in but for Dyche and his team to assess the best pairings and team selections for different games.

We are now after full-backs apparently on the cheap.

I think the most improved player award was given to Cole Palmer.

Tarkowski was being groomed to replace Keane, who was sold the following summer. To us, unfortunately.

I see this as a similar thing as surely Branthwaite will be off next year, if he continues his current form.

When my son was in the local U9s team that was the trophy he got at the end-of-season barbecue. To this day, he still believes he did really well that year.

To be fair to you, you are correct in what you say, lol!!! My son was a tragic prospect as a footballer and never got better. He is a Royal Navy Submariner and mountain climber, no football required… ha ha!

Also, it doesn't say Branthwaite is leaving, it says does the signing of O'Brien open the door for Branthwaite to leave? There's a big difference.

File under more shite from Goodison News.

But happy with the early business and profile of player we're getting in. Just the full-backs that still worry me.

If Branthwaite really wants to leave, he will probably will be sold, isn't that what usually happens, it's one of the main reasons that is holding us back.

Welch is being loaned out so it looks like Dyche doesn't feel we will be that short at the back, there's always our mate Holgate. I don't know what happened to the lad; he looked like he was going to be a top player when he first came into the team.

My guess is Branthwaite will leave, more's the pity, and we could sign another experienced centre-back.

With regard to O'Brien, watching him on YouTube (I know I know) he basically is Branthwaite.

The similarities in style of play and level of play are uncanny, and he's rapid! If you watch from a distance you would think it was Jarrad.

Having said all that, according to Stan's brother Michael, we haven't had a bid accepted so he's had a free medical before he jets off to London and West Ham.

"We'll see…"