Everton plot £38m move for Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe

Everton have registered interest in signing 23-year-old left winger Jonathan Rowe from Bologna, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira. A deal worth approximately £38m could be completed this summer.

Rowe has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks at Bologna, establishing himself as one of Serie A's most exciting wide attackers this season. The English-born winger has drawn comparisons to former Premier League stars for his direct running and technical ability.

Rowe's profile and statistics

Rowe, primarily a left winger, has contributed eight goals and six assists in 31 Serie A appearances this campaign. His dribbling success rate of 62% places him among the top 10 wingers in Italy's top flight. He averages 2.3 key passes per 90 minutes and creates 0.8 big chances per match.

The 23-year-old joined Bologna from Norwich City's academy in 2022 for a nominal fee and has since developed into a £38m-rated asset. His contract at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara runs until 2027, giving Bologna strong negotiating leverage.

Transfer market context

A £38m fee would make Rowe Everton's second-most expensive signing of all time, behind only Richarlison's £50m move from Watford in 2018. The Toffees have operated cautiously in recent windows due to Financial Fair Play constraints, but summer sales of key players could fund a marquee addition.

Comparable deals include Leicester City's £30m capture of Patson Daka in 2021 and Aston Villa's £35m signing of Leon Bailey in the same window. Winger prices have risen sharply since, with Premier League clubs paying premiums for proven Serie A talent.

Impact on Everton's tactics and squad

Manager Sean Dyche has preferred a 4-4-1-1 formation this season, with Dwight McNeil operating as the primary left-sided attacker. Rowe would provide direct competition for McNeil and offer a more natural width option, allowing Dyche to switch to a 4-3-3 system when required.

Everton's current wide options include McNeil, Jack Harrison (on loan from Leeds United), and Arnaut Danjuma. Harrison's loan is set to expire, and Danjuma has struggled for consistency. Rowe's arrival would add youthful dynamism and proven output to an attack that has scored just 35 league goals this season — the fourth-lowest in the division.

Fantasy Premier League implications

If the transfer goes through, Rowe is likely to be priced around £6.0m in FPL, making him an attractive budget midfield option. Everton's opening fixtures in 2025/26 include home matches against newly promoted sides and several midtable teams, offering early season potential for returns.

Rowe averaged 4.8 points per game in Serie A this season, a tally that would have ranked him among the top 10 midfielders in FPL if adjusted for league quality. His dribbling and chance creation suggest he could thrive in the Premier League's faster, more physical environment.

What's next in the transfer saga

Bologna are expected to demand the full £38m valuation, with no discount for a summer sale. Everton must first offload players such as Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, and Andre Gomes to raise funds and free up wage budget. A formal bid is unlikely before July 1, 2025, when the club's financial year resets and FFP headroom increases.

Competition for Rowe's signature is expected from Crystal Palace and West Ham United, both of whom have scouted the winger extensively. Everton's ability to offer regular first-team football and a clear pathway to becoming a key player could prove decisive in the 23-year-old's decision.

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