Leicester City are prepared to offer Bernard a new contract after the winger was released by Shakhtar Donetsk this summer. According to Globo Esporte, the Foxes are hoping to snap up the Brazilian free agent during this summer transfer period.
The 25-year-old will be a low-risk signing as he is available for free and could turn out to be a shrewd move by the Foxes if they can lure him to the King Power Stadium in the coming weeks before the transfer window slams shut next month.
Bernard has a lot of experience of playing at the top level and has played in the top tiers of both Italy and Ukraine during his career. He has put in a number of majestic displays for Shakhtar over the past few years which is why it is a big surprise that the Ukrainian giants have released him this year.
The 25-year-old had featured in 29 matches for the Donetsk-based side last season, scoring 10 goals while providing 4 assists in all competitions. The Brazilian playmaker is exactly the kind of talent who can flourish under the guidance of Claude Puel if given the opportunity to showcase his talents at the King Power Stadium in the upcoming campaign. He will also be an ideal replacement for Riyad Mahrez who has departed the East Midlands club in favour of a move to Manchester City.
Claude Puel’s Foxes managed to earn an impressive 9th placed finish in the English top-flight last season. Although, they need to recruit wisely in this summer transfer market so that Puel’s men can push for a European place next term.
The potential acquisition of Bernard could prove to be a major coup for the East Midlands side if they can pull off such a deal and will definitely bolster Puel’s attacking options going into the new season. Leicester City have some talented wingers such as Marc Albrighton, James Maddison and Demarai Gray vying for a place in Puel’s starting XI. The addition of Bernard will undoubtedly improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within the Foxes squad.
At 25, the Brazilian sensation still has his peak years ahead of him which the Foxes could look to utilise in the next few campaigns. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Bernard and whether he ends up making a switch to the King Power Stadium before the start of the new season.
