Everton Eye Bologna’s Injury-Prone But Talented Star: Right Choice For Moyes? | OneFootball

Everton are getting back to a transfer target they failed to land in January, as new reports suggest the Toffees retain serious interest in Bologna’s Swedish right-back, Emil Holm, ahead of the summer window. According to Il Resto Del Carlino, cited by Sport Witness, Everton have been namechecked for the Sweden right-back, with England described as “top of mind” for the Bologna defender. The 26-year-old spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Juventus, but things did not go to plan in Turin.

Everton Keep Tabs On Bologna’s Inconsistent But Promising Full-Back

He made just seven appearances in all competitions, mainly from the substitutes’ bench, and Juve have no plans to sign him permanently. Juventus held an option to buy him at around €16 million, but the Old Lady are not triggering that option, and he is set to return to the Rossoblu with two years left on his current deal. Bologna, who missed out on European football, are eager to move him on. The Toffees have already submitted a bid for the 16-cap Sweden international, which was knocked back, but he is set to leave the Italian club, who have not been impressed with his injury record.

Everton Face Fierce Competition For The Bologna Full-Back

Everton are not alone in chasing the defender this summer. Everton, Sunderland, Brighton and Brentford have “put his name on their radar” ahead of the summer transfer window opening. Bologna hope that his inclusion in Sweden’s World Cup squad raises his profile and his price. The report adds that Bologna have welcomed news of his call-up as an announcement that benefits both parties, with the player getting to showcase his talents on the biggest stage while Bologna see his valuation increase. That may complicate Everton’s pursuit if the World Cup goes well for him.

Should Everton Move For The Bologna Right-Back?

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Emil Holm of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and ACF Fiorentina at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

This is where David Moyes and Everton face a genuinely difficult call. Nathan Patterson is the only natural right-back option at the club, but he is considered not ready for a starting role, and Jake O’Brien has mostly been deployed at right-back even though Moyes is well aware the Irishman is a central defender. The need is obvious and pressing. A proper specialist at right-back matters greatly in a system that demands width and defensive solidity together.

The problem with this particular target comes down entirely to his body. This season he featured in 17 matches in Serie A, scoring one goal and providing four assists, despite multiple injuries disrupting his campaign. Four separate injury problems in the 2024/25 season, followed by a foot issue at Juventus, paint a picture of a player whose body simply keeps letting him down at the wrong moments. His best football, that explosive, forward-running style from his Spezia days, depended on him staying fit consistently.

Everton should pursue him only with a structured loan arrangement first, one that carries a purchase obligation if he hits a defined fitness threshold. Paying £14 million upfront for a player who has barely started a match in six months would be a significant financial gamble. A conditional deal protects the club and gives the player a genuine runway back to form. If he performs at the World Cup and stays injury-free into pre-season, Everton can pull the trigger with far greater confidence.