- Everton have shortlisted Italy wing-back Raoul Bellanova as a primary summer target.
- David Moyes wants a proper solution at right-back after years of making do.
- Atalanta are open to selling for around £17m, with Nathan Patterson expected to leave.
Reports from The Times and SportItalia’s Gianluigi Longari both point in the same direction – Everton want Raoul Bellanova, and the right flank is David Moyes’ top priority this summer.
The need has been there for a while. Seamus Coleman gave everything to this football club across 16 years and leaves as a genuine Everton great, but right-back has needed addressing for longer than most fans would care to admit. Last season, Jake O’Brien – a centre-back by trade – spent long stretches filling in there out of necessity. It got the job done, but it was never the answer.
Bellanova, 26, is who Moyes wants to change that.
Who is Bellanova and what does he offer?
A product of AC Milan’s academy, Bellanova came through the Italian system before establishing himself in Serie A with Torino, where he made enough of an impression that Atalanta paid around £22m to take him to Bergamo in the summer of 2024. His exit caused anger at Torino – not directed at Bellanova, but at owner Urbano Cairo for cashing in. Even the coach, Paolo Vanoli, went public with his frustration.
At Atalanta he has racked up 79 appearances across two seasons, contributing nine assists in his first campaign alone. His last season was disrupted by injury and the numbers dipped, but the underlying quality is there. He has six Italy caps and a contract running to 2029.
The key question for Everton is whether his profile suits what Moyes actually needs. Writing on Roundtable, analyst Tactically Matt noted that Bellanova operates predominantly in the opposition half and carries limited defensive responsibility compared to a traditional full-back – something worth keeping in mind given how Moyes tends to set his teams up. He offers genuine creativity as we advance, but the defensive side of his game is an acknowledged weakness.
What needs to happen for this to get done
According to Football Italia, citing SportItalia’s Longari, Atalanta would consider letting him go for around £17m despite being under no real pressure to sell – they are already set for a profitable summer with Ederson heading to Manchester United and Marco Palestra attracting serious interest from Inter and Manchester City.
Paul Joyce in The Times reports that Everton view the position as a clear priority, and that Nathan Patterson is expected to depart to help fund the move.
Tottenham have also been credited with interest, as per GiveMeSport, so Everton can’t afford to drag their heels. The fee appears workable, the player is available, and the need is clear. Whether the system fit convinces Moyes is the one remaining doubt – but the links are serious, the sources credible, and this one is worth watching closely.
