Last summer, Olympique Lyonnais used its network and created a surprise by announcing the arrival of Jake O’Brien. With around thirty appearances in the socks under the colours of RWD Molenbeek, a “friendly club” of the Eagle Football galaxy since John Textor took over, the Irish defender arrived in total anonymity between Rhône and Saône. Far from being the most anticipated recruit by Lyon supporters, the player trained at Cork City and who played for Crystal Palace has gradually won over the Rhone public to his cause. Despite the difficulties encountered by OL in the championship under the leadership of Fabio Grosso, the Irishman has earned his stripes as a starter by the sweat of his brow, highlighting his solidity in aerial duels and his quality of recovery.
Despite the departure of the Italian, combined with the induction of Pierre Sage on the bench of the Gones, Jake O’Brien has retained his status within the Lyon rearguard, counting 32 starts for 5 goals and 2 assists. An unexpected success for the Cork native, himself surprised by his express integration into Lyon.When I arrived, I thought I would be a rotation player or go on loan. But deep down, I knew that if I was given a chance, I would take it.“, he conceded last April to the microphone of Prime VideoFar from being a stranger to the fantastic rise of the Gones in the rankings, qualified for the European Cup next season, the 1.97m colossus has seen his popularity rating soar.
Brentford contact OL, Everton remain on the lookout
The summer transfer window has barely opened and Jake O’Brien has found himself on the radar of several English clubs. As we mentioned last June, West Ham had targeted the Irish international (2 caps) as a plan B in case of failure on the path leading to Max Kilman. While the Hammers withdrew from the case after completing the signing of the 27-year-old defender from Wolves, a new Premier League player has joined the race for the Lyon defender. According to our information, it is Brentford. In search of a defensive reinforcement, the Bees have checked the name of the ex-Crystal Palace player and have also contacted OL and the 23-year-old player to explore the possibility of a transfer this summer.
However, the last 16th of the English championship is not alone in the affair since Everton remains interested in the profile of Jake O’Brien. Last winter, the Mersey club had already sounded out the main person concerned and considered integrating him into the equation in the event of the departure of Arnaut Danjuma, at the time targeted by the Rhone management to come and strengthen the attack of OL. According to our latest discretions, the Toffees have not given up on the affair and could quickly join the battle for the Irishman. It is now necessary to know if OL will be inclined to part with a player who seems to be still in Pierre Sage’s plans for the coming season.
