West Ham are interested in signing Brazilian forward Bernard and have begun talks to bring the player to the London Stadium on a free transfer. The 25-year old forward’s contract with Shakhtar Donetsk will expire this summer, making him a free agent. And West Ham are the hot favourites to snap him up.
This is probably a reactionary transfer from the Hammers as they are set to lose their star play-maker Manuel Lanzini for 15 months. The Argentine has ruptured his cruciate ligament while training for Argentina, leading up to the World Cup. Hence, they are without a proper No. 10 to start off the next season.
Even though Bernard thrives on the left-wing, the Brazilian can also play as a No.10. Let us scout him with more details and find out as to why the East London club should sign the player without any ambivalence.
Bernard is one those soft-spoken players who go about doing their job and let their football do the talking. Back in 2013, he was touted to replace Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze at Borussia Dortmund. The move eventually broke down and the Brazilian was signed up by Shakhtar Donetsk. Such is the quality of the player.
Technique-wise, the 25-year-old is a good dribbler, can supply requisite key passes and also has a propensity to score goals. He has succoured Shakhtar with 9 goals and 3 assists in 26 appearances last season. (In the Ukrainian League and the Champions League).
Manuel Pellegrini must sign a player who can fulfil a number of roles in the forward line. His 4-2-3-1 formation allows the front men to be flexible and interchange positions during games. Thus, capturing Bernard would add some much-needed quality and flexibility to the Hammers’ front-line.
The manager could use Bernard more as a left-winger with the freedom to cut inside and create space for the fullbacks. The Brazilian has a good crossing ability which West Ham can use to their advantage.
The image below illustrates the possible line-up with which the Hammers may start next season. If they sign Bernard, he’d fabricate space for the likes of Arthur Masuaku that’d only help the team in attacking sense.
Read more: Why West Ham are doing the right thing by chasing a £35m deal for this Brazilian Serie A star
Without a shadow of a doubt, West Ham must sign Bernard to enhance their quality. The Brazilian will fit into the manager’s system and he could develop his career further. If he performs well, the bigger clubs will definitely come back for him in the near future.
