Confirmed Signing Jake O'Brien

[Zatara]

This lad is a very good player, good in the air and comfortable on the ball. He was very highly thought of at Lyon, definitely a good prospect going forward

There’s absolutely no chance Sean Dyche plays an attacking 3 at the back, he’s not going to start doing it this far into his managerial career.

Hes either replacing an injured Tarkowski, Branthwaite’s off or somehow they’ve convinced him to be 3rd choice until JB goes next summer.

Exactly the type of transfer we should be making, especially for the price knocking about. Most centre halves will do fine in a Dyche back 4. Oh whoever it is says he’s “painfully slow” on here, couldn’t be more wrong

@Victus posted a long quote from a Lyon fan. If we pick out the 3 weaknesses they mentioned:

1: Slow to turn
2: Low acceleration (but a high top speed)
3: Not the best in defensive headers (but a threat at offensive set pieces)

Any thoughts seeing as youve both seen him?

From youtube he looks similar to Branthwaite but a more rough and ready version to Branthwaites more slick and polished style.

 

[YoboCopter]

New richard dunne?

 

[Eidean]

@Victus posted a long quote from a Lyon fan. If we pick out the 3 weaknesses they mentioned:

1: Slow to turn
2: Low acceleration (but a high top speed)
3: Not the best in defensive headers (but a threat at offensive set pieces)

Any thoughts seeing as youve both seen him?

From youtube he looks similar to Branthwaite but a more rough and ready version to Branthwaites more slick and polished style.

Wasn’t him mate, been in other threads.

Only seen him a handful of times, including his Ireland appearance against Portugal. I think the concerns that people have over him are valid but they’re easily coachable under Sean Dyche.

I’d agree that he’s more of a “raw” Branthwaite. I think for £17million, in this day & age, is a cracking signing. Has an incredibly high ceiling if Dyche can get him drilled

 

[Eggs]

New richard dunne?

….no. Dunne’s left leg is heavier than this kid.

 

[DanB90]

Heard he has a back injury…..

From carrying us for the last 2 seasons?

 

[LABlue2]

@Victus posted a long quote from a Lyon fan. If we pick out the 3 weaknesses they mentioned:

1: Slow to turn
2: Low acceleration (but a high top speed)
3: Not the best in defensive headers (but a threat at offensive set pieces)

Any thoughts seeing as youve both seen him?

From youtube he looks similar to Branthwaite but a more rough and ready version to Branthwaites more slick and polished style.

Sounds like Michael Keane ffs

 

[davek]

Figured Seamus would have played a role

Seamus should be made Everton chief scout in Ireland.

The players we've had from there for years have served us well.

We might not miss out on the next Evan Ferguson then.

 

[knowing your history]

I saw a few games Lyon played when they were at the bottom of the league around November and he looked like a walking mistake tbh, think he gave away a few penalties and odd own goal so not much different from Keane. Lyon improved massively when they signed Matic in January window and think O'Brien lost his place.

However he is still young and I assume the plan is to ease him in off the bench and in cup ties. Ultimately Tarks played every single game last year and think Branthy only missed one match after he broke in against Wolves so basically the season rests on those two playing as much as is realistic.

Then in a years time O'Brien will hopefully have featured more and be ready to step in if Branthwaite isn't renewing.

 

[Eggs]

Seamus should be made Everton chief scout in Ireland.

The players we've had from there for years have served us well.

We might not miss out on the next Evan Ferguson then.

…I’d imagine he has greater job prospects than that but he can certainly have an impact attracting Irish players to the club.

 

[davek]

It'd be good to think he was coming in to slot in at RB and we have a fee agreed for Patterson to be sold rather than this being semi-confirmation that Branthwaite is leaving

 

[blue to the bone]

Seamus should be made Everton chief scout in Ireland.

The players we've had from there for years have served us well.

We might not miss out on the next Evan Ferguson then.

I'll give you 2 now worth a punt
Mason Melia and Cathal o Sullivan.
Melia especially

 

[davek]

…I’d imagine he has greater job prospects than that but he can certainly have an impact attracting Irish players to the club.

He'd be the ideal ambassador for Ireland and a very persuasive advocate for Everton.

There was once a time when good talent from Ireland would hardly look any further than this club for a chance to become an established top flight professional.

 

[davek]

I'll give you 2 now worth a punt
Mason Melia and Cathal o Sullivan.
Melia especially

For sure, Coleman would know about them.

 

[Eggs]

It'd be good to think he was coming in to slot in at RB and we have a fee agreed for Patterson to be sold rather than this being semi-confirmation that Branthwaite is leaving

….i honestly can’t see O’Brien playing RB at 6ft 5in.

 

[GlosBlue]

@Victus posted a long quote from a Lyon fan. If we pick out the 3 weaknesses they mentioned:

1: Slow to turn
2: Low acceleration (but a high top speed)
3: Not the best in defensive headers (but a threat at offensive set pieces)

Any thoughts seeing as youve both seen him?

From youtube he looks similar to Branthwaite but a more rough and ready version to Branthwaites more slick and polished style.

How can someone that is 6'6 not head the ball well defensively?!