Bernard’s future at Everton has been uncertain for a while. The 28-year-old is coming off the back of a disappointing campaign, was reportedly offered out to AS Roma over the summer and finds himself on the periphery this season. Bernard’s proposed move to Roma fell through, but his agent believes a permanent move could be on the cards in January.
Attempts to agree Roma transfer failed
When asked why Bernard didn’t come to the Giallorossi, representative Adrian Spadoto told LaRoma24: “We tried to convince Everton to let him go, but the English club did not agree. Not even on loan.” And when asked if Bernard could be offered out when the winter transfer window opens, Spadoto added: “I think so. The player could be sold outright for around €7m (£6.4m).”
We signed Bernard on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018, but his market value with Transfermarkt is £14.4m. The Brazilian international has two years remaining on his £6.24m-a-year/£120k-a-week deal at Goodison Park, but we may need to lower our demands as he won’t come cheap.
Why might we accept less?
I’d love us to extract as much money as possible from Bernard, but I understand that his stock is low right now.
The 28-year-old has been in poor form over the last 12 months (27 Premier League appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists), and suitors would have to pay around £30m to sign him on a two-and-a-half-year deal (£14.4m + £6.24m + £6.24m + £3.12m) in January, so he’s not a value-for-money acquisition.
We’ve spent more than £12m on Bernard’s wages, but may not make all of that money back unless his reputation grows in the coming months. The face Bernard has been left out of every Premier League game this season suggests otherwise.
He’s scored one goal and made one assist in two EFL Cup games but finds himself behind Richarlison, James Rodriguez, Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi in the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti.
With Theo Walcott joining Southampton on a season-long loan, we may need to bring in another wide man if Bernard leaves in January. Time will tell what Marcel Brands does, however.
In other news, Everton write off £16.9m in losses as Sandro Ramirez joins SD Huesca