Former Cork City defender Jake O’Brien swaps Crystal Palace for Lyon

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French giants Olympique Lyonnais have confirmed the signing of former Cork City central defender Jake O’Brien.

The ex-Ireland under-21 international leaves the Eagles after a two-and-a-half-year stint at Selhurst Park that saw him rise through the ranks.

But before that, O’Brien built up considerable first-team experience with Cork City during the Covid-19 impacted 2020 campaign under Colin Healy.

He impressed on Leeside so much that he ended up joining Palace after City were relegated to the First Division.

Having worked under former Ireland underage international Paddy McCarthy in South London, he got his most recent taste of senior football on loan in Belgium last season.

The defender featured heavily while on loan at RWD Molenbeek as they secured promotion to the Belgian top-flight.

His move to Lyon however was accelerated by Lyon’s decision to sell Castello Lukeba to RB Leipzig.

But it is unclear if Lyon will keep O’Brien involved with their first-team squad or loan him out before the end of the current transfer window.

He has signed a deal to keep him in France until 2027.

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