Deal sealed with Brann for the 20-year-old Norwegian defender, worth up to €8.5 million including bonuses
Bologna are moving decisively in the January transfer window and have secured a major defensive reinforcement. The club have closed an agreement with Brann for Eivind Helland, one of the most promising young center-backs in Scandinavian football.
The operation is worth €7 million plus bonuses, bringing the total package to around €8.5 million. Helland is already in Italy and is currently undergoing his medical examinations at Isokinetic in Bologna, the final step before signing his contract and becoming officially available to head coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Who is Eivind Helland?
Born in 2005, Helland is just 20 years old but already stands out for his physical and athletic profile. At 1.96 meters (6’5”), the Norwegian defender offers Bologna immediate size, strength in aerial duels, and presence inside the box—qualities that Italiano has been keen to add to his back line.
Coming from Brann, Helland has impressed both domestically and on the international scouting circuit, earning a reputation as a modern center-back: strong defensively, comfortable in one-on-one situations, and with room to grow in ball distribution.
A clear signal from Bologna
This investment underlines Bologna’s ambition. Spending close to €9 million on a young defender is a significant statement for a club that is looking not only to consolidate its Serie A status but also to build a squad with long-term upside.
Helland is expected to integrate gradually, but his physical readiness suggests he could compete for minutes sooner rather than later—especially in a season that demands depth and reliability at the back.
Next steps
Once the medicals are completed, the official announcement is expected shortly, after which Helland will begin training with his new teammates. Bologna fans can soon get their first look at a defender who represents both a present solution and a future investment.
