Nottingham Forest and Everton have received a potential boost in their transfer pursuits following a recent decision by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves have reportedly cooled their interest in Jake O’Brien, a defender from Olympique Lyonnais, after making an initial enquiry.
The decision comes as Wolves balked at Lyon’s high valuation of O’Brien, whose price tag is considered steep. This development could benefit Nottingham Forest and Everton, both of which have shown significant interest in acquiring the 23-year-old.
Jake O’Brien, a Republic of Ireland international with two caps, has had a somewhat unconventional career trajectory.
He began his professional journey with Cork City before moving to Crystal Palace. After two years, O’Brien sought new opportunities, which led him on loan stints to Swindon Town in League Two and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium’s second tier. These loans proved fruitful, showcasing his talent and eventually catching the attention of Lyon, who signed him for approximately £1 million last summer.
Since joining Lyon, O’Brien has made substantial progress, transitioning from England’s fourth division to becoming a regular starter for a team competing in European football within just two years. His performances helped Lyon secure a sixth-place finish in Ligue 1, solidifying his reputation as a promising defender.
Wolves had been keen on bringing O’Brien to Molineux, but The Telegraph reports that they have currently shelved any plans for a transfer due to the hefty £25 million fee demanded by Lyon. Although Wolves have significant funds available after selling their captain, Maximilian Kilman, to West Ham United for £40 million, manager Gary O’Neil is looking to allocate resources across multiple positions rather than invest heavily in a single player.
This decision leaves the door open for Nottingham Forest and Everton, who may now have a clearer path to negotiating with Lyon for O’Brien’s transfer. Both clubs will likely see this as an opportunity to strengthen their defensive lines with a player of O’Brien’s potential and growing pedigree in European football.
