£17m Everton signing is on fire after goal in behind-closed-doors clash, he could prove to be a bargain

It’s extremely early, but Everton may have their hands on a potential signing of the season candidate.

The Toffees have added five new signings to their squad this summer and are still at a net profit thanks to the £50million sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.

Everton have struggled financially in recent seasons, but they have backed Sean Dyche in the transfer market this summer after he steered the club to safety last season in the face of two separate points deductions.

Tim Iroegbunam was Everton’s first signing of the summer with the midfielder arriving from Villa, while Jack Harrison also rejoined the side on another loan deal.

Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom also joined the Toffees, while their latest arrival was Jake O’Brien, who signed in a £17million deal from Olympique Lyon.

The 23-year-old only joined for the final stages of Everton’s pre-season friendlies, but he has already made a huge impact.

Jake O’Brien impresses at Everton pre-season

O’Brien’s first outing in Everton colours came in the 3-0 win over Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.

The Irish centre-back marked his first appearance by scoring at Deepdale with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and new signing Lindstrom also on the scoresheet.

At six foot and six inches, O’Brien can more than handle the physicality of the Premier League and he is the ideal fit for Dyche’s style of play.

Everton were back in action with a behind-closed-doors match against Motherwell at Goodison Park on Tuesday, and O’Brien etched his name onto the scoresheet again.

Everton posted to X that they won 6-0 against their Scottish opponents with Beto and Neal Maupay both scoring twice.

Harrison Armstrong also found the back of the net alongside O’Brien to cap off a dominant win for the Merseyside club.

Jarrad Branthwaite fears relieved

Everton have stood firm and rejected Manchester United’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite so far this summer.

The Red Devils have submitted two bids for the young centre-back, but Everton insist they will not sell him for less than their £70million valuation.

When O’Brien was signed, there was a feeling that he could be Branthwaite’s replacement at Everton – although that theory was laughed off by Dyche.

Either way, any fears about Branthwaite potentially leaving this summer have been relieved by O’Brien’s superb start at the club. If Branthwaite ends up staying, they have a formidable duo on their hands.