Everton Sign Bernard

Everton have completed the signing of Bernard on a four-year contract with Everton to the end of June 2022.

Everton beat a host of Premier League and European clubs to the signing of Bernard with the Brazilian international becoming Marco Silva’s fourth signing of the summer after Richarlison, Digne and Virginia.

The 25-year-old who has 14 caps for Brazil, was available as a free agent after refusing a contract renewal at Shakhtar Donetsk when his contract expired at the end of last season. West Ham United, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Milan and Tottenham Hotspur all registered interest in Bernard this summer but it was Marcel Brands who got his man for Everton.

Bernard: “I chose Everton because of all the things I had heard about Marco Silva and after speaking to him I was happy with what he said to me.

“The manager made me feel confident about playing here. He is a very good coach and he has achieved really good things at other clubs.

“Everton is a club with a great structure and a lot of tradition, historically the fourth most successful club in England. When I found out about this opportunity and what the manager wanted out of me I was happy.

“That is why I made my choice, because of the confidence both the manager and the Club showed in me.

“I did not need any convincing to come here. I believe I will be able to show my best as a player here.

“I can promise I will try my hardest and dedicate myself to my work and to trying to make things happen for Everton.

“This is an ambitious club which is aiming to achieve real success with Marco Silva’s ideas and the new players coming in.”

Marco Silva:  Silva said: “Bernard is a quick player, very good technically and he can play on the left or right wings and as an offensive midfield player behind the striker.

“He has experience of playing in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk for the past five years and the fact he has 14 caps for Brazil is a further reflection of his quality.”