Leicester City Make A Move For Brazilian Speedster: Should Puel Go All Out?

According to reports, Leicester City are keen on the services of former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Bernard. The Brazilian international is a free-agent after seeing out his contract with the Ukrainian giants last season. It is believed that the Foxes have already lodged a contract offer for the highly talented midfielder as they look to bolster their midfield department this summer.

However, they could face stiff competition with Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte listing about 12 clubs that are also eager to snatch him up before the end of the ongoing transfer window.

Bernard, 25, initially moved to Europe back in 2013 when he made a €25 million switch to Shakhtar Donetsk. And during his time at the club, the Brazilian has featured in over 150 matches, helping the Miners seal three Ukrainian league titles along with three league cups.

However, in recent years, Bernard saw a significant drop in his stock, having featured in just 18 matches this past season. As a result, the 25-year-old was content with seeing out his contract at the end of last campaign.

Leicester City, however, will be hugely boosted by the addition of the Brazilian international given their lack of options in the creative department. In fact, the newly signed James Maddison is arguably their only reliable choice in the central attacking midfield position. And given his lack of experience in the English top flight, signing another creative midfielder will be a wise decision as far as Leicester are concerned.

Bernard, in that regard, is an ideal candidate considering his vast experience in top-flight football. Additionally, the 25-year-old is also blessed with immense ball-playing qualities, making him a tailor-made fit for Claude Puel’s tactical philosophy.

But, what makes him an appealing target for the Foxes is the fact that he is available on a free transfer, which appears as a lucrative prospect for a mid-table club like Leicester. Although, they may have to offer him a lucrative contract in order to make sure he moves to the King Power.

The 25-year-old is likely to operate as the second fiddle to Maddison, who has shown tremendous promise with Norwich and is expected to be the first choice number ten for Claude Puel next season. Alternatively, the Brazilian international can play on the wings, the chances of which are very high, following the departure of Algerian superstar Riyad Mahrez.

However, as mentioned earlier, Leicester aren’t the only ones interested in Bernard this summer with sources claiming that he has also received offers from West Ham, Benfica and even Chelsea.

Stat courtesy: Transfermarkt