In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Nicolo Schira has revealed that Everton are eyeing West Ham United playmaker Felipe Anderson as a replacement for Bernard if he leaves Goodison Park this month. It is understood that Anderson wants to cut his loan spell with FC Porto short and return to the London Stadium with the Toffees interested in acquiring his services during this January transfer window.
Felipe #Anderson wants to leave #Porto. The brazilian winger will return to the #EPL at #WestHam, but #Everton have also shown interest if #Bernard leaves (#ASRoma are still interested). The two brazilian player have the same agent Giuliano #Bertolucci. 👀 #transfers #EFC #WHUFC https://t.co/9mkEskmn0p
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 12, 2021
Anderson’s Underwhelming Loan Spell At Porto This Season
The one-time Brazilian international has endured a frustrating loan spell at Porto after failing to establish himself as part of Sérgio Conceição’s first-team. The 27-year-old has featured in just five matches for the Portuguese outfit this term, picking up one assist across all fronts.
Anderson was far more productive in the previous campaign when he made 27 appearances for the Hammers, netting one goal and securing five assists in all competitions. He also managed to average 0.9 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season. The Brazilian sensation even distributed the ball relatively well in the opposition half as evident from his pass success rate of 78.8% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
The former Lazio talent needs to secure regular first-team football if he wants to get his career back on track. Hence, a switch to Goodison Park might be too tempting for the player to turn down if Ancelotti decides to move in for him this month.
What Will The Brazilian Playmaker Add To Ancelotti’s Team?
Anderson has got electric pace under his belt and can make some dangerous dribbles with the ball out on the wide areas. He is not shy to take on his marker and is more than capable of getting past them using his speed, agility and excellent ball control in the opposition half.
When the Brazilian attacker is playing with confidence, he can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals in the final third. However, he has struggled to perform at a high level for both West Ham and Porto over the past 18 months which makes him a gamble for the Toffees if they decide to launch a move for him this winter.
Is Anderson The Right Fit For The Toffees?
Currently, Ancelotti would be wise to bolster his squad by adding more depth before the end of this transfer window. Hence, a player of Anderson’s quality could be a good option for the Toffees boss to consider in January.
The Brazilian is good enough to serve as a decent squad player at Goodison Park and could prove to be an upgrade over Bernard as he offers more creativity and goal-threat in the attacking third of the pitch. At 27, Anderson is playing at the prime stage of his playing career, so Ancelotti will fancy his chances of getting the best out of the underperforming player in the coming seasons.
