A player Crystal Palace sold for peanuts could now be tasked with replacing one of the most talented footballers in the Premier League.
Dougie Freedman has proven himself as a fine recruiter in his role as Director of Football at Selhurst Park in regards to incomings – although selling fringe players at the right time for the best possible fee is still something Crystal Palace need to improve at.
So, which former Crystal Palace player could now be coming back to the Premier League? Let’s take a look…
Jake O’Brien could replace Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
Back in August 2023, Crystal Palace sanctioned the £846,525 sale of Jake O’Brien to John Textor’s Lyon, with the Irish defender’s pathway to regular football in south London blocked by the likes of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Chris Richards.
Since then, the Republic of Ireland international has become a star in France, scoring four goals while also providing two assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances to help Lyon finish sixth, and qualify for a place in the UEFA Europa League.
Now – according to HITC Football – Lyon are keen to sign Ben Godfrey from Everton, and would be willing to sell O’Brien to the Toffees as part of the deal, with those at Goodison Park keen on the Crystal Palace academy graduate.
It comes amid interest from Manchester United in Everton No.32 Jarrad Branthwaite, who the Toffees are demanding £80m for this summer.
Therefore, O’Brien could well end up replacing the England international, if Lyon can beat Atalanta to the signing of Godfrey.
Crystal Palace could still benefit
While it would be a bit painful to see a player we sold for just £846,525 shining in defence for Everton and not us, Freedman did manage to negotiate a sell-on clause when handing O’Brien to Lyon.
London News Online believe that clause was worth 15% of any sum Lyon receive for the 23-year-old, so hopefully, if Everton do sign the man from Cork, it will be for a hefty transfer fee.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as any money received from O’Brien would potentially help Freedman to have more wriggle room in the market, as it would go down as 100% profit in regards to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
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