Everton fans baffled as Jake O’Brien allowed to leave | Read Everton F.C.

Everton are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Jake O’Brien, a surprising development given the hope that he could eventually form a long-term centre-back partnership with Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Athletic reports that O’Brien could be allowed to leave before the transfer window closes.

It would bring an unexpectedly early end to his Everton career. The Republic of Ireland international only arrived from Lyon in the summer of 2024, costing an initial £17million and signing a contract until 2028.

More importantly, Everton have arguably still not seen enough of him in his best position.

O’Brien spent much of last season at right-back. He did a solid job there when required, but a 6ft 6in centre-half filling a problem position was always going to be a temporary measure.

That is what makes the prospect of selling him now difficult to understand.

O’Brien and Branthwaite partnership may never get its chance

There has been a feeling among Everton supporters for some time that O’Brien deserved an extended opportunity alongside Branthwaite.

Les Roberts of Everton podcast The Blue Room made precisely that point on BBC Radio Merseyside earlier this month, arguing that playing O’Brien at right-back was doing little for his development and backing him to partner Branthwaite in the middle.

It was a suggestion that many agreed with.

James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have given Everton years of service and experience, but both are in their thirties. O’Brien is 25 and Branthwaite 24. On paper, at least, there was the makings of a partnership which could have served Everton for several seasons.

Perhaps David Moyes simply does not see O’Brien as part of his preferred central-defensive pairing. Perhaps an offer will arrive which Everton consider too good to reject.

But supporters questioning the decision have a fair point.

Everton spent £17m on a young centre-back, regularly played him at right-back and could now sell him before discovering whether he and Branthwaite might actually have been the answer in the middle.

If O’Brien does leave, that unanswered question will probably linger.