Everton Set to Sign Free Agent Bernard Ahead of New Season
By Tom Power
Ex-Shakhtar Donetsk Ace Likely to Replace Bolasie & Mirallas at Goodison Park
Everton are on the cusp of securing the signing of Bernard on a free transfer, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk star left Ukraine at the end of his last contract and is available on a Bosman this summer.
Everton were tentatively linked with the diminutive playmaker earlier in the close season, but are now set to bring him to Merseyside.
The Echo’s report claims that the Blues saw off fierce competition from the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan and West Ham to sign the 25-year-old.
Bernard is jetting into England on Tuesday to undergo a medical with the Toffees and, providing he is given the all clear, will become their third signing ahead of the new season.
Premier League clubs only have two more days after Tuesday to secure new players ahead of the window slamming shut.
Blues duo Marco Silva and Marcel Brands are hard at work trying to lure other targets – notably a new centre-back – to Goodison Park before Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
In the mean time, the pair have managed to convince Bernard that L4 is the place to play his football from this term onwards.
The Brazil international brings with him a wealth of club and international experience, as well as a winner’s mentality having won the Ukrainian League and Ukrainian Cup three times during his time with Shakhtar.
His eye for a pass, work ethic and wand a left foot will be instrumental in helping Everton’s creativity – something that they’ve struggled with in pre-season.
Bernard’s versatility also allows him to play across the forward line and even in a deeper midfield role if necessary.
Everton will need to secure a work permit to officially make Bernard theirs, but that shouldn’t be an issue given his 14 international caps for Brazil.
Bernard would join fellow Brazilian Richarlison at Goodison under Silva, and likely further push the likes of Yannick Bolasie and Kevin Mirallas out of the door.
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The pair are surplus to requirements and Bernard’s ability to play on the wing means their first-team chances this season will be diminished further.