Why West Ham United should make a transfer move for this versatile Brazilian free agent

There’s a good vibe at West Ham United ahead of the new season as the club have been pretty active in the transfer window and spent a lot of money. They transfer business could continue, though, if latest reports are to be believed.

The Guardian claim that the Hammers are eyeing a move for free agent Bernard. The Brazilian’s contract with Shakhtar Donetsk came to an end during earlier this summer and he still hasn’t signed for a new club.

The report from the Guardian also states that West Ham set to compete with Chelsea and AC Milan for Bernard. The Hammers wanted to make a move earlier for the Brazilian but were put off by his wage demands.

Should West Ham United move in for Bernard?

Bernard had a few consistent seasons at Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian club have always managed to sign good Brazilian attackers as the likes of Willian and Douglas Costa had spells there before moving to Chelsea and Juventus.

West Ham have a good attack and the return of Robert Snodgrass will only add to their squad depth. Snodgrass has had a good preseason and is expected to fight for a place in the starting XI when the likes of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko are 100% match fit.

Bernard, however, could offer that spark that the likes of Yarmolenko and Snodgrass don’t have. Because of his ability to take on a player and beat him with his little shimmies and dribbles, Bernard could be a big game player against the better sides.

Last season, Bernard mustered good numbers for his former side Shakhtar in the Champions League. The club made it to the knockout stages of the Champions League and Bernard was in his elements throughout their run. He managed at least two dribbles per game and provided the creativity with 1.4 key passes per game.

Bernard’s versatility too can come in handy. At present, the Hammers have Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson who can play in the number 10 role, but the former won’t be available for a while owing to an injury.

Bernard’s ability to pick a pass could come in handy for Pellegrini. Anderson and Yarmolenko could be deployed wide and Bernard could play in the number 10 role, behind Javier Hernandez.

His wages could potentially be a stumbling block, but West Ham can promise him more first-team football than Chelsea, so they do have an advantage.

Stats via Whoscored