We're nearing the halfway point of January, and so far, Everton haven't done anything to improve upon the current state of its squad.
There are plenty of rumors flying around about players that the Toffees could bring in, but nothing concrete and no indication that anything is moving.
Manager David Moyes did not sound optimistic that much business would be done in the window when asked about it last week, telling reporters that "it’s more unlikely than likely but I wouldn’t say that completely. We’re looking out there to see what there is."
For Evertonians looking at the current state of the squad, that is a major point of frustration. The only upside is that many of Everton's issues will be solved once the Africa Cup of Nations concludes next week, and with a bit of increased health for some of the club's best players.
One area of the pitch that cannot be ignored is right back, a position that the Blues have needed a long-term answer for going back several years now. And now a report out of Bologna suggests that Everton have submitted a bid to do just that.
Corriere di Bologna is reporting that Everton have turned in an offer for right back Emil Holm. The Swedish international will turn 26 in mid-May, and his FBRef scouting report shows a player who can contribute on both ends of the pitch.
Holm dealt with a minor thigh problem earlier in the season, but appears to be back to full strength. It has limited him to featuring in just 17 of Bologna's 28 matches across all competitions this season. Since moving to Serie A with Spezia in 2022 from the Danish Superliga, he hasn't played more than 32 games in a season, and has never been a regular starter.
The skills all seem to be there, but it would certainly be a step up for the Swedish defender.
And then comes the second part of the report, which says that Everton will pay some cash along with sending Nathan Patterson to Bologna.
On the surface, this doesn't seem so bad. Holm may be a better player and fit at Everton, but it does put the Toffees back into a familiar position: one injury away from having no options at right back outside of Jake O'Brien.
So even though the player might be a solid pickup, it's hard to justify Everton further killing the squad's depth in order to get him.