AS Roma for long have been admirers of Everton winger Bernard. There have been reports circulating over the Italian club’s desire to sign the Brazilian in the winter transfer window and possible ways how the deal could be carried out.
Bernard is not in the first team plans and plays second fiddle to Richarlison. However, the Carlo Ancelotti wouldn’t want to sell a player who could potentially help the club in any way in the second half of the season as the Royal Blues make a push for European football this season. The player will have to request a transfer if he intends to leave Goodison as Roma maintain interest in him.
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There were ideas of a possible swap deal which would see Everton redeem Robin Olsen permanently and Bernard move to Rome. Even though no official enquiries have been made, Bernard is on Tiago Pinto’s shortlist. Giallorossi boss Paulo Fonseca has shared a cordial, productive relationship with the Brazilian from their days together at Shakhtar Donetsk. In fact, Bernard is on Roma’s shopping list due to Fonseca’s demand. However, things could soon change.
AS Roma were left red-faced in the Coppa Italia, losing to Spezia 4-2 in the round of 16. The loss in the feisty Rome derby coupled with the Coppa Italia exit has put tremendous pressure over Fonseca. The club hierarchy is currently planning to put a halt on the transfer operations, especially those requested by Fonseca.
Roma could no longer remain keen on Bernard
There are whispers of a possible manager sack and should this happen, Roma will no longer pursue Bernard from Everton, as per Corriere Dello Sport. Tiago Pinto will strike the Brazilian’s name out and instead concentrate on other targets. The name of former Roma player, Stephan El Shaarawy, is preferred as per common consensus.
As per another report from RomaPress, Fonseca has saved his job but just for now. Owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin had a meeting with Pinto and have decided to give Fonseca a fair chance to save his job. Should the Portuguese fail to win either of the next two fixtures convincingly, the sack axe will come down his throat, who has only has six months of his contract left at Stadio Olimpico.
AS Roma’s transfer plans could be massively altered, especially their pursuit of Bernard should the former Shakhtar manager face dismissal. The entire idea to bring the Everton winger was to please Fonseca but should he not remain with the Giallorossi, there’s no question to bring players of his desire.