What every summer signing has said about Everton as Jake O’Brien transfer advances
Everton are hopeful of landing the club’s fifth signing of a busy summer with the club advancing in its efforts to secure Jake O’Brien. The Lyon centre back has been on the Blues’ radar for some time and the club has sought to swoop amid heightened interest in the 23-year-old from Premier League rivals.
Should his arrival be confirmed he would represent a useful addition to the defensive options of Sean Dyche, who is dealing with a series of injuries at the back this pre-season. The glute issue that has prevented James Tarkowski from playing in either of the club’s opening friendlies is not thought to be serious but has served as a warning to Finch Farm in the aftermath of the sale of Ben Godfrey and with Mason Holgate’s future uncertain after he spent last season on loan.
Jarrad Branthwaite, meanwhile, is still recovering after he received treatment for a knock upon his return from England’s pre-Euros friendlies, while Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson are also working through rehabilitation programmes. With work ongoing in relation to O’Brien, this is a look at the signings made so far – and what their first words on arrival said about the appeal of joining Everton.
Jesper Lindstrom – ‘I think this is a very good fit for me’
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder signed on a season-long loan from Napoli – a club he only joined just last summer. The Serie A side appeared content to allow him to leave after a disappointing defence of its title during a chaotic season in which the Denmark international made just two league starts. Everton’s faith the past campaign was a one-off was one of the reasons that compelled Lindstrom to swap Naples for Liverpool.
“I feel like all of the experiences I’ve had so far have readied me for this moment. I’ve played in a few different leagues now, I’ve played international football and in the Champions League and Europa League. I feel like I’m ready. I feel like I can help the team and that is what I want to do. I want to show the fans that I’m here. This is a season for me to come back on track. I think this is a very good fit for me and I’m ready to show why I should stay here.