Everton Advised to Rethink Elias Jelert Pursuit Due to Injury History and Fit Concerns

Everton have expressed interest in signing Danish right-back Elias Jelert from Galatasaray this summer, but concerns surrounding his injury record and on-pitch contributions are casting doubt on the wisdom of the move.

With David Moyes now at the helm and looking to reshape his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, bolstering the full-back position has emerged as a top priority, particularly as veteran Ashley Young prepares to depart the club when his contract expires. Young, who turns 40 next month, is expected to move on, prompting the Toffees to target younger, more dynamic options in the transfer market.

One of those options appears to be 21-year-old Elias Jelert, who previously played for FC Copenhagen before transferring to Galatasaray in 2024. Everton have reportedly made an opening bid for the player, with Turkish media outlet Yenicag suggesting the Istanbul giants are seeking around £6.7 million for the young defender. Despite his relatively low price tag and youth profile, there are serious question marks regarding Jelert’s fitness and suitability for the Premier League.

Injury Expert Raises Alarm Over Jelert’s Medical History

Dr Rajpal Brar, a well-known sports scientist and physical therapy specialist, offered a critical assessment of Jelert’s injury history in an exclusive interview with Goodison News. According to Dr Brar, Everton’s medical and recruitment teams will need to thoroughly investigate Jelert’s recurring knee problems before moving forward with the transfer.

“Everton may take a closer look at his recurring knee injuries, along with multiple periods needed to build fitness,” Dr Brar explained. “It certainly is something to be careful about, and also the fact that adapting to the Premier League would be another challenge. Missing two months at a stretch isn’t a good sign.”

This warning comes amid growing concern about the number of games Jelert has missed throughout his young career. While the right-back has shown flashes of promise, long spells on the sidelines have disrupted his development and limited his impact. A physically demanding league like the Premier League may further expose these vulnerabilities.

Limited Offensive Output Another Concern

In addition to his injury concerns, Jelert’s career statistics also raise doubts about whether he is the right fit for Everton—especially under Moyes, who traditionally relies on attack-minded full-backs to provide width and creativity on the flanks.

Jelert has managed just six assists across nearly 150 senior appearances—97 for FC Copenhagen and 35 for Galatasaray. His solitary goal for each club highlights a lack of offensive contribution, which is typically expected from modern full-backs, especially in a system like Moyes’ that thrives on wide delivery and overlapping runs.

Everton have often struggled for attacking output from their full-backs in recent years. The likes of Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young have provided experience and leadership, but neither has consistently offered a strong attacking threat in recent seasons. With Jelert’s numbers falling short of the standard required, it’s difficult to see how he would address this long-standing issue.

Everton Under Pressure to Get Transfers Right

The Toffees’ recruitment strategy this summer is under significant pressure. With the club still facing financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), every signing must deliver value and reliability. Risky investments in injury-prone players could have long-term consequences, both on and off the pitch.

Jelert’s combination of physical fragility and underwhelming attacking returns makes him a questionable addition to the squad. While he may develop into a reliable option with proper management, Everton cannot afford to gamble at a time when consistency and durability are paramount.

Furthermore, adapting to the English top-flight is notoriously difficult, especially for young players transitioning from other European leagues. The pace, physicality, and intensity of the Premier League can often overwhelm new arrivals—particularly those with fitness concerns.

Moyes Likely to Consider Other Options

Given the red flags raised by Dr Brar and the lack of attacking flair in Jelert’s performances, Moyes may be wise to explore alternative targets. There is a growing expectation that Everton will pursue other right-back options who can immediately contribute both defensively and offensively, while maintaining high levels of availability throughout the season.

One possible solution could be to extend Seamus Coleman’s stay by another year. While the Irishman is not the long-term answer at 35 years old, his experience, leadership, and deep connection to the club could prove invaluable in a transitional period. This would allow Everton more time to scout a suitable long-term replacement without being rushed into a risky deal.

Reports also indicate that Moyes is being backed in the market by the Friedkin Group, who are expected to inject funds to help reshape the squad. However, even with that financial support, Everton cannot afford to overlook due diligence in pursuit of quick fixes.

Jelert’s Career So Far

Jelert rose through the ranks at FC Copenhagen, making 97 appearances for the Danish giants before earning a move to Galatasaray in 2024. His move to Turkey was seen as a stepping stone to one of Europe’s top five leagues, but he has struggled to fully establish himself in Istanbul.

With just one assist in 35 games for Galatasaray, Jelert has found it difficult to meet expectations in a team that demands high performance levels from every position. While his defensive capabilities have shown promise, his lack of offensive input remains a concern.

His potential is undeniable—he’s fast, has good awareness, and reads the game well—but without consistent availability and improved output in the final third, it’s hard to justify a move to the Premier League at this stage.

Verdict: Avoid the Risk

Ultimately, Everton would be taking a significant risk by signing Elias Jelert this summer. While his age, price tag, and potential may be appealing on paper, his fitness issues and limited end product make him a less-than-ideal fit for the rigours of the Premier League and Moyes’ tactical system.

Given the tightrope Everton must walk with PSR and the need for immediate impact from new signings, the club would be better served targeting a more durable, proven, and attack-minded right-back. Investing in the wrong player could set the team back at a critical juncture in their rebuilding process.

In this context, the wise move may be to steer clear of Jelert and focus efforts elsewhere in the market.