Everton Playmaker Gathering Interest From Saudi Arabia: Should Ancelotti Sanction His Departure?

In a recent report, Goal has claimed that Everton playmaker Bernard is gathering interest from Saudi Arabia. It has been stated that Al-Hilal have formally launched a £6m bid to acquire the services of the Brazilian wide player before their transfer window slams shut later this month (via Goal.com).

Bernard’s Underwhelming Career At Goodison Park So Far

The 28-year-old has begun this campaign in an impressive fashion after scoring one goal and picking up one assist in two appearances in the EFL Cup this season. His offensive contributions have helped the Toffees set up a quarter-final date with Manchester United in that competition.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk talent has failed to find consistency as far as his overall productivity is concerned in the final third during his spell at Merseyside. He has registered six goals and seven assists in 68 matches for Everton thus far.

Bernard flattered to deceive with his performances in the previous campaign when he averaged 0.4 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He was also guilty of giving away the ball cheaply at times when distributing it from the left flank as evident from his pass completion rate of 77% in the top tier of England last season (stats via whoscored).

What Does The Brazilian Wing Wizard Bring To The Table?

Bernard has got the quickness and agility to breeze past his marker and can pull off some dangerous dribbles in the attacking third of the pitch. He has also got the ability to deliver some curving crosses from the wide areas. However, the Brazilian needs to be more unforgiving in front of the opposition goal if he wants to reach his maximum potential in the coming seasons.

Should The Toffees Sanction Bernard’s Departure This Month?

At the moment, Bernard is not a first-team starter at Goodison Park. Therefore, it makes sense for him to consider a move to Saudi Arabia in search of more game time and a bigger bank balance. However, Ancelotti can still use him in the domestic cup competitions where he could thrive and help the Toffees compete for a major silverware this season.

Either way, the Everton boss needs to decide on the Brazilian sensation’s future soon so that both the player and the club can concentrate on matters on the field. At 28, Bernard still has a few good years left in him which the Merseyside outfit should look to benefit from in the future.

The South American attacker’s current contract is set to run out at the end of next season, so Ancelotti is under no immediate pressure to cash in on him. All in all, the Toffees would be wise to keep hold of Bernard’s services for now before deciding whether to part ways with him next summer.