Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Wed 18 March 2026 13:10, UK

Everton star Vitalii Mykolenko is attracting interest from Roma as the defender’s contract ticks down on Merseyside.

Mykolenko swapped Dynamo Kyiv for Everton in January 2022, and since then, the left-back has played 151 times for the Blues.

The Ukraine international, who has scored four goals to date for the Toffees, is set to become a free agent this summer, with the 26-year-old no closer to a contract extension.

Mykolenko, who struggled in Everton’s 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Saturday, looks set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and that has prompted interest across Europe.

As Everton potentially look for a Mykolenko replacement, the defender could stick with the Friedkin Group with a move to Rome himself.

Everton and Roma’s ownership conundrum

According to Forza Roma, Roma are keeping tabs on the soon-to-be out-of-contract Mykolenko as the Serie A outfit considers recruiting a new left-back.

The Italian team have also been credited with interest in Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon and Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani, while Bournemouth defender and Everton-linked Marcos Senesi is also a top target.

However, apart from the 28-year-old, the defensive department is “not an urgency” for Roma.

This throws up an interesting situation for Roma and Everton.

Both teams are owned by The Friedkin Group, although American businessman Dan Friedkin has run the Italian team for four years longer than the Toffees.

Financially, for Roma, it makes a lot of sense to bring in a free transfer such as Mykolenko.

Roma sit sixth in Serie A and are on track to qualify for the 2026-27 Conference League, whereas Everton are eighth in the Premier League and could reach the same competition.

All will become clear when the season ends, but for now, The Friedkin Group will wait and see where the teams end up before having to potentially prioritise one over the other.

Europe may tip transfer battle in Everton’s favour

Everton suffered a setback in their bid to secure European football for the first time since 2018 with their defeat at league leaders Arsenal.

The Toffees gave a good account of themselves at the Emirates Stadium, before two late goals undid all their hard work in the capital.

Brentford’s draw with lowly Wolves, however, means Everton are just two points back from Keith Andrews’ side, who are in pole position to qualify for next season’s Conference League.

Newcastle United and Bournemouth are snapping at Everton’s heels as potential disruptors, with this European race set to go down to the wire.

If Everton want to attract a higher calibre of player in the summer, securing European football will help towards that goal.

And that may be the difference between signing someone who can take them to the next level or not.