Why Everton must sign Raoul Bellanova who 'erased' a Champions League-winner

Everton would be signing a "high-intensity" player in Raoul Bellanova, Goodison News has exclusively been told.

The 26-year-old has been continuously linked with a move to Everton this summer, as David Moyes looks to address his right-back problem.

If the Toffees are to go to another level in the Premier League next season, then finding an upgrade in that part of the pitch is crucial this summer.

Bellanova has shown that he can perform to a very high level in Serie A, having produced nine assists in 34 games during the 2024-25 campaign with Atalanta.

However, consistent coaching changes during his time in Bergamo may have unsettled him slightly, and question marks remain over his fit in Maurizio Sarri's system moving forward.

So, whilst the possibility remains for a move to Merseyside this summer, Everton have been given a strong reference as to why they should secure his signature.

Italian journalist reveals what Raoul Bellanova would bring to Everton

Goodison News has been tracking reports from Italy that Atalanta could still be looking to sell Bellanova before the window shuts.

A player in the prime of his career and with Champions League pedigree, the Italian would represent an exciting addition to Moyes' defence.

And, football journalist and co-host of the Italian Football Podcast Nima Tavallaey - who has over 23,000 X followers - has exclusively told Goodison News that Bellanova would bring a trait that's been severely lacking from Everton's backline recently: pace.

"With regards to his playing style, he's very, very fast. Very, very fast," he told us.

"I remember when he was at Cagliari and he man-marked Theo Hernandez, and he essentially erased him from the game because he could keep up with him in terms of pace, speed and explosivity.

"So he's got acceleration. He’s a high-intensity player and he's also decent at dribbling. The problem is that his decision-making and his crossing is not the best.

"But then again, I do think he's more of a counter-attacking player more than anything. So I think if he's utilised the right way, he can be very useful."

It would appear then that Bellanova would certainly arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium with more pros than cons, bring pace, one-versus-one ability and some cutting edge to the right of Everton's defence.

But what is his current contract situation, and does it put the Toffees at a disadvantage?

Why Atalanta hold all the cards for Bellanova

Atalanta may indeed be looking to sell Bellanova this summer, but they're also in a position where they don't need to if bids aren't reaching their valuation of him.

Having previously been with Torino before joining Atalanta in the summer of 2024, the right-sided defender inked a long-term deal with the Bergamo-based outfit.

As a result, his current contract isn't set to expire until the summer of 2029, meaning the Italians can afford to take their time when it comes to cashing in.

Had he had a matter of months left on his deal, then Everton could've been bargain shopping with Bellanova, but now any transfer fee is sure to still be a premium one.

If he can keep Champions League winners like Hernandez quiet, he's destined for success in the Premier League.