Aaron Wan-Bissaka signing could unlock 61% stat Jake O'Brien as Everton plan revealed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a move to Everton this summer following West Ham United's relegation.
The Hammers went down on the final day after the Toffees failed to produce a result against Tottenham in North London.
West Ham are expected to struggle to keep hold of a number of players in the coming months, with Wan-Bissaka among those expected to leave.
The 28-year-old is under contract until 2031 after joining from Manchester United in 2024, but endured a difficult season.
Everton transfer chiefs may have to wait to complete a deal for the right-back, who will travel to the World Cup with DR Congo this summer.
Everton target Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Jake O'Brien to benefit
Former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider on Sunday that Everton's failure to qualify for European football has left disappointment among the fanbase.
Just a couple of months ago, David Moyes' side were in the driving seat to at least finish eighth and qualify for the Conference League, let alone the Europa League.
| Jake O'Brien | Stats - Ligue 1 2023-24 (per 90) At CB |
| Shots | 0.68 |
| Accurate long balls | 3.46 |
| Tackles | 0.84 |
| Recoveries | 4.78 |
| Duels won | 3.15 |
| Duel won % | 61% |
An awful end to the season quashed those hopes, however, with Everton failing to win any of their final seven Premier League games and ultimately finishing four points behind Brighton.
After fighting relegation for much of last season, fans will not be ungrateful for a much calmer season, but the prospect of European football was exciting.
Qualification may have opened the door to more attractive targets than Wan-Bissaka, too, who Everton are exploring a deal worth £8-10m for this summer, according to Ben Jacobs.
However, his arrival could allow a chance for Jake O'Brien in the middle of the defence - his natural position.
It was the Ireland international's performances at centre-back for Lyon that initially caught Everton's interest, and he may well be the solution to cover for Jarrad Branthwaite's injury issues.
What Jamie Carragher once said about Wan-Bissaka will excite Everton fans
Wan-Bissaka has not impressed this season, but it was only the last campaign for which he was named West Ham player of the year.
The 28-year-old was once incredibly highly rated, and there is hope that Moyes would be able to unlock that potential once more.
Speaking in 2020, Jamie Carragher said: "I actually think Wan-Bissaka is the best one-on-one defender as a full-back in the world. I don’t think anyone would get the better of him."
Ability like that does not completely go away. Moyes was just a few months away from working with the defender at West Ham, and he will be pleased to finally get his hands on him.