Everton have finalized the signing of centre-back Jake O'Brien from Lyon on a four-year deal valued at £16.4 million.
The 23-year-old defender from the Republic of Ireland made 27 appearances for the Ligue 1 club last season. O'Brien is the fifth summer signing for Everton, following the arrivals of midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, and Jack Harrison, who returns 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."
O'Brien referred to Everton as a "huge club" with a "big future," adding, "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 started his career at his hometown club Cork City before moving to Crystal Palace's academy on loan and later signing for the Premier League club permanently. He had loan spells with Swindon Town and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek before joining Lyon for an undisclosed fee last summer.
The defender indicated that Everton manager Sean Dyche's commitment to developing young talent, including fellow centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, played a significant role in his decision to join the club.
Dyche commented, "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."
