West Ham are considering a move for Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Writing on his Patreon, The Sun reporter confirmed that the 6ft 6in defender is being targeted by the Hammers as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of defence.
O’Brien moved to France from Crystal Palace last summer for €1m, having just spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Belgian second-division outfit RWD Molenbeek.
Despite his lack of experience at the highest level, he played regularly for Lyon last campaign, going on to make 32 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue One side.
O’Brien was subsequently handed his first cap by the Republic of Ireland against Hungary in a friendly last week. He played the second half of the 2-1 victory.
The defender’s value has skyrocketed
Even though O’Brien has played in France’s top tier for just one year, Lyon have slapped a £30m price tag on him, which may put off West Ham and other potential suitors.
However, there is a feeling that the French side will lower their demands if the Irons do enter formal negotiations to sign the centre-back.
Why are West Ham chasing O’Brien?
Technical director Tim Steidten is looking to bring in reinforcements at the back. The London club are expected to sell Nayef Aguerd over the coming weeks, with teams in Saudi Arabia keen on recruiting the Moroccan international.
There are also doubts over the future of club captain Kurt Zouma, who has just a year left on his contract. With Angelo Ogbonna set to leave too when his contract expires at the end of this month, West Ham may be left with Konstantinos Mavropanos as their only remaining centre-half.
With that being the case, it is not a surprise that the Hammers have been linked with O’Brien, as well as the likes of Wolves’ Max Kilman and Hull City’s Jacob Greaves.
