Recent reports from Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (as cited by Sports Witness) suggest that Everton winger Bernard is on the list of targets that Roma have set for the January transfer window. The report further stated that the Merseyside club are willing to listen to offers but have set a threshold fee of around €12m for his sale.
Earlier this year, Liverpool Echo revealed that the Toffees turned down an offer of around £7m from the Serie A giants on the deadline day, as the 28-year-old Brazilian was assured of his role under Carlo Ancelotti.
Bernard’s Mounting Frustrations In England This Season
Bernard has registered just eight appearances across all competitions to his name this season, averaging 0.6 shots, 1 key pass, 0.4 crosses, and 1.2 dribbles per game. While there’s nothing special about those numbers, the Brazilian international has scored in each of the two games he has started this term; thereby outlining his effectiveness on the pitch when he gets to play for full 90 minutes.
However, the ex-Shakhtar star has failed to secure first-team starts even in the absence of his countryman Richarlison as he seems to have fallen out of favour under new coach Carlo Ancelotti. With just one Premier League start under his belt this term, there doesn’t seem to be any way back for Bernard into the Italian’s plans anytime soon.
On the other hand, a move to Italy will reunite him with his former mentor, Paulo Fonseca, under whom the Brazilian netted seventeen goals in 66 games. The Portuguese tactician doesn’t seem very likely to carry on with Carles Perez on the wings and has chosen the 28-year-old to be his replacement in the long-run. The Belo Horizonte-born winger is in desperate need of more game time, so a move to Stadio Olimpico in the winter transfer window will certainly benefit him.
(Stats from WhoScored)
Should Everton Sanction His Departure In January?
As mentioned above, Bernard doesn’t seem to be anywhere near Ancelotti’s plans at the moment, so his departure from Goodison Park is expected to profit all the parties involved. The Merseyside club is also in desperate search of back-up options to Dominic Calvert Lewin, and the transfer fee they receive from this deal could prevent them from burning holes in their pocket.
Everton have got enough players to fill up the void if Bernard leaves, therefore, it makes sense for the Toffees to permanently part ways with the player.
