Raoul Bellanova: Everton could sign player who once left entire fanbase angered

Raoul Bellanova has emerged as a summer transfer target for Everton, and it is fair to say he has had quite the impact on fanbases of previous clubs.

The right-sided player, who is used predominantly as a wing-back, is said to be on Everton's list of targets for the upcoming window.

Bellanova is currently at Atalanta and has another three years to run on his current contract.

Everton are known to be in the market for a new right-sided defender, with that an area David Moyes has been forced to crowbar players into.

Reports suggest Bellanova is one of those Moyes and Everton are looking at.

If the the 26-year-old is pursued, it is unlikely to evoke as much controversy as his exit from Torino three years ago.

Raoul Bellanova's Torino exit caused outrage

Bellanova has spent the past six years plying his trade in the Italian top flight.

That includes a brief period with Serie A giants Inter Milan, despite being a product of rivals AC Milan's academy.

Bellanova really found his feet after joining Torino in July 2023, though his performances saw him plucked away after just one season.

Torino sold Bellanova to Atalanta for a fee of around £22million, with that sale angering the fanbase.

Supporters were not angry with the versatile defender himself, but rather owner Urbano Cairo for selling another player who was on the way up.

Even coach Paolo Vanoli hit out at the club for cashing in, believing it was preventing him from building any sort of momentum.

How has Bellanova performed at Atalanta?

After causing so much furore, Bellanova has spent the past two seasons at Atalanta.

He has made 79 appearances in all competitions and has a reputation as being an attack-minded full-back - or wing-back.

However, Bellanova did not exactly catch the eye last season in terms of his stats.

The Italian started just 15 Serie A matches and only registered one direct goal involvement, which does not exactly match his attacking nature.

A right-back is clearly needed at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but whether or not Bellanova is the man remains the be seen.