Everton may be facing a challenging ownership situation, putting the club’s future in uncertainty, but manager Sean Dyche is focused on preparing the team for the 2024/25 campaign. While avoiding relegation from the Premier League is a primary goal, the team showed resilience last season, finishing 15th despite an eight-point deduction for financial breaches.

The club is making efforts to improve the squad, having brought in Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam, and Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom is expected to join on loan with a £19 million buy option. Notable departures include Amadou Onana, who moved to Aston Villa for £50 million, and long-serving defender Ben Godfrey, who joined Atalanta in Serie A for £10 million.

Everton hopes to keep Jarrad Branthwaite despite interest from Manchester United, but they are also looking to strengthen their defense. Reports from France suggest that Everton and Brentford are competing for Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien. The 23-year-old Irish international, standing at 6’6″, has impressed in France after joining from Crystal Palace last summer. He has demonstrated both defensive solidity and attacking prowess, scoring five goals and completing 88% of his passes in Ligue 1.

O’Brien’s aerial ability and attacking sense make him an ideal addition to Everton’s defense, potentially pairing well with Dwight McNeil’s set-piece delivery. McNeil, primarily a left winger, has been praised for his creativity and work rate since joining Everton, and his partnership with O’Brien could be formidable.

Everton is reportedly considering a bid of around £17 million for O’Brien. Despite the challenges ahead, the club’s determination under Dyche’s leadership could lead to a promising season.