Report: Everton in Race with Fulham for Roma Midfielder | OneFootball

Everton Intensify Pursuit of Roma Midfielder as Fulham and Fiorentina Lurk

In a transfer window marked by tight finances and tactical manoeuvring, Everton find themselves in a familiar position: desperately seeking reinforcements while battling with Premier League rivals. With the clock ticking down, the Toffees are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Roma’s young midfielder Edoardo Bove. Yet, as with most things in football, this is far from a straightforward race. Fulham and Fiorentina also have their eyes on the 22-year-old, making this a battle Everton must win if they are to bolster their midfield.

Everton’s Midfield Needs Highlighted in Brighton Defeat

Everton’s need for reinforcements became glaringly obvious after a 3-0 loss to Brighton on the opening day of the Premier League season. Sean Dyche’s side looked disjointed, lacking creativity and control in the middle of the park. While Tim Iroegbunam showed promise, he alone cannot carry the weight of the team’s midfield ambitions. Dyche is aware that the club’s financial constraints limit their options, but that hasn’t stopped them from exploring potential deals.

Photo IMAGO

The club’s recent setbacks in the transfer market—missing out on Kalvin Phillips, Jens Cajuste, and Lesley Ugochukwu—only add to the urgency. Now, all eyes are on Bove, a player who could inject much-needed energy and vision into Everton’s midfield. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Everton have “intensified contacts” with Roma, signalling their serious intent to bring Bove to Goodison Park.

Roma’s Position and Fulham’s Interest

Roma, however, are not in a rush to loan out their young midfielder. The Giallorossi are reportedly more interested in a permanent sale, valuing Bove at around €15 million (approximately £12.8 million).

Photo IMAGO

This figure could be a stumbling block for Everton, given their current financial predicament. Yet, the club’s history with Roma’s ownership, the Friedkin Group, might provide an edge in negotiations. While the Friedkin Group’s potential takeover of Everton fell through, their £200 million investment in the club still lingers in the background, potentially smoothing the path for a deal.

But Everton aren’t the only club in the mix. Fulham, always keen to add quality to their squad, are also monitoring Bove’s situation closely. With the allure of Premier League football and the chance to work under Marco Silva, Fulham present a serious threat to Everton’s plans. Fiorentina, too, remain in the picture, making this a delicate and highly competitive affair.

Photo: IMAGO

Financial Constraints and Uncertainty at Goodison Park

For Everton, the challenge is not just about securing Bove; it’s also about balancing the books. The Toffees are actively looking to offload players, including Neal Maupay, Mason Holgate, and Michael Keane, but interest has been tepid at best. Additionally, the future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains uncertain. With less than a year left on his contract and Manchester United reportedly interested, his departure could create further complications for Dyche.

The next few weeks will be critical for Everton. The club must navigate a complex web of financial limitations, player sales, and transfer negotiations if they are to come out of this window stronger. Bove may not be the biggest name in football, but for Everton, he could represent a crucial piece in Dyche’s jigsaw.