Jake O'Brien clapping in Everton home kit

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Sources: Leeds and Crystal Palace register interest in Jake O’Brien

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Published on:

25 Aug 2026, 4:00 pm

Leeds United and Crystal Palace have both registered interest in Everton defender Jake O’Brien going into the final days of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Both Premier League sides are keen on the versatile defender, 25, who is capable of playing centre-back and right-back.

Nevertheless, Everton are unwilling to let the Republic of Ireland international go until a new right-back is brought into the club.

O’Brien was a key player for the Toffees last season, and made 40 appearances in all competitions and was mainly utilised as a right-back.

However, in Everton’s 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace on the weekend, the defender was an unused substitute, with Merlin Rohl preferred at right-back.

O’Brien is still contracted at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2028 after he signed a four-year deal in 2024 upon arriving from Lyon.

How good is Jake O’Brien?

During the 2025-26 campaign, O’Brien had a mixed set of stats while playing in the Premier League.

It is clear that the defender rarely pushed forward as a right-back, with the six-foot-six-inch giant preferring to stay back.

According to Fotmob on 25 August, O’Brien averaged 1.64 tackles, 0.43 interceptions, 0.46 blocked shots, 4.15 clearances and 0.26 clean sheets per 90 minutes.

However, he also only averaged 0.03 goals, a 0.05 xG, 0.03 assists, a 0.03 xA, 0.49 chances created, 0.37 successful crosses with a 26.5 per cent overall success rate and 0.17 successful dribbles with a 30 per cent overall success rate per 90 minutes.

Therefore, if Leeds or Crystal Palace opt to sign the defender, he may be best utilised as a centre-back, rather than a progressive right-back.

Ermedin Demirovic makes Leeds transfer decision

What other business could Leeds complete this summer?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Leeds are still in the race to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao before the transfer window closes.

The 27-year-old attacker has been heavily linked away from the Italian giants this summer and the West Yorkshire club are one of many sides aware of his availability.

While they still face competition from clubs across Europe, and his lofty financial demands have raised concerns, the Whites have not ruled out making a late move.

However, it remains to be seen if Daniel Farke’s side can complete a deal before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Jake O'Brien