Jake O Brien has become Everton s fifth signing of the transfer window after his reported £16.43million switch from Lyon was confirmed on Tuesday.
O Brien, who made 27 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has penned a four-year contract at Goodison Park ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Republic of Ireland international scored five goals in all competitions last term, including in Lyon s Coupe de France final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in May.
The 23-year-old defender kept seven clean sheets from his league outings last season, and will provide another solid defensive option for the Toffees next season.
O Brien won 44 of his 69 contested aerial duels for Lyon, a total only bettered by his central defensive partner Duje Caleta-Car (57).
We have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland centre-back Jake O’Brien from Olympique Lyonnais for an undisclosed fee.
Welcome to Everton, Jake!
— Everton (@Everton)
I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton, O’Brien said.
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.
Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there s a big future as well.
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.
