Everton is rekindling their interest in a transfer target they missed out on in January, with new reports indicating that the Toffees are keen on Bologna’s Swedish right-back, Emil Holm as the summer transfer window approaches. According to Il Resto Del Carlino, as reported by Sport Witness, Everton has been mentioned in connection with the 26-year-old right-back, who is viewed as “top of mind” for the Bologna defender. Holm spent the latter half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Juventus, but his time in Turin did not go as expected.
Everton Monitoring Bologna’s Inconsistent Yet Talented Full-Back
During his loan period, he made only seven appearances in all competitions, predominantly coming off the bench, and Juventus has no intention of signing him on a permanent basis. The Italian side had the option to buy him for approximately €16 million but has opted not to activate it, leaving him set to return to Bologna, where he has two years left on his contract. Following a season in which Bologna missed out on European football, they are eager to move him on. Everton had previously submitted a bid for the 16-cap Sweden international, which was rejected, but the player is expected to leave the Italian club due to concerns about his injury history.
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Everton Faces Strong Competition for Bologna’s Full-Back
Everton is not the only club interested in the defender this summer. Alongside Sunderland and Brighton have also expressed interest, with Brentford now having him on their radar as the summer transfer window approaches. Bologna anticipates that Holm’s selection for Sweden’s World Cup squad will elevate his profile and price. They welcome his call-up as beneficial for both parties—the player gains a platform to showcase his skills, while Bologna can increase his market value. However, this could complicate Everton’s efforts should Holm perform well in the World Cup.
Should Everton Pursue the Bologna Right-Back?
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Emil Holm of Bologna FC during the Serie A match against ACF Fiorentina on January 18, 2026, at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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This situation presents a challenging decision for David Moyes and Everton. Currently, Nathan Patterson is the only natural right-back in the squad, but he is not yet viewed as ready for a starting position. Meanwhile, Jake O’Brien has often been played at right-back, despite the fact that Moyes acknowledges he’s primarily a central defender. The urgency for a specialized right-back is clear, as a solid option in that position is crucial for a system that requires both width and defensive strength.
The concern surrounding this target revolves entirely around his fitness. This past season, he appeared in 17 Serie A matches, scoring once and providing four assists, but he faced several injuries that disrupted his campaign. Having endured four separate injury issues during the 2024/25 season and a foot problem while at Juventus, it raises significant doubts about his reliability. His most effective football, characterized by dynamic forward runs reminiscent of his time at Spezia, relies heavily on maintaining consistent fitness.
Everton should consider pursuing him through a structured loan deal first, which should include a purchase obligation contingent on meeting certain fitness benchmarks. Committing £14 million upfront for a player who has seen limited action over the past six months poses a considerable financial risk. A conditional arrangement would safeguard the club while providing Holm a chance to regain his form. If he excels at the World Cup and remains injury-free during pre-season, Everton could feel more confident in making a substantial commitment.