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Everton would reportedly only allow Jake O’Brien to leave this summer if they have another centre-back lined up to replace him. The 25-year-old’s future has become one of the more surprising stories of the closing stages of Everton’s transfer window. Paddy Boyland of The Athletic reported on Monday that the Blues are prepared to listen to offers for O’Brien, who wants more opportunities in his natural position at centre-back. Harry Watkinson of TEAMtalk has now added an important detail. He reports that Everton would not allow O’Brien to leave unless they had secured – or were in position to secure – another centre-half. That should offer some reassurance to supporters concerned by the prospect of losing him. Everton will not leave themselves short O’Brien only joined Everton from Lyon for £17m in 2024 and has often been used at right-back rather than in the position he was signed to play. His possible departure has already prompted a strong reaction among supporters, many of whom had hoped he would eventually be allowed to play alongside Jarrad Branthwaite in central defence. Everton’s reported position at least provides some context. This does not appear to be a case of simply moving O’Brien out and dealing with the consequences afterwards. If an acceptable offer arrives, another centre-back would need to be part of the equation. Watkinson says the same applies to Beto, who has attracted interest from Fiorentina. Everton would want another striker lined up before allowing him to leave. That could make the final days of the window considerably busier than expected. For O’Brien, though, the equation appears fairly straightforward: unless Everton can find the right replacement, he stays. For info on this and other Everton rumours, check out our live transfer tracker.