Everton have turned a very disappointing transfer window into a potentially very promising one with a trio of transfers on deadline day. In a crazy last hour before the window slammed shut, the Toffees got the ball rolling with the announcement of Bernard on a four-year-deal. The diminutive winger joins the club from Shakhtar Donestk after his contract expired this summer. The 25-year-old has 14 caps for Brazil, but has not played for the national team since 2014 after falling out of favour following the World Cup on home soil.
Bernard played 96 league games for Shakhtar, bagging 14 goals in the process. Manchester City fans may remember his wonderful strike against them in last season’s Champions League. Bernard joins his compatriot, Richarlison, in signing for the Blues this summer, and could well line-up alongside him this weekend in Everton’s opening game against Wolves.
Everton’s blossoming relationship with Barcelona is continuing today. Having already signed Lucas Digne this summer, the Merseysiders have raided the Catalan giants for two more players. Andre Gomes is to join the club on a season-long loan deal, whilst Yerry Mina is to join in a deal worth £28.5 million. For Barcelona, this represents a £20 million profit for a player that has made just four starts for them – not bad business.
Gomes is a Portuguese international who plays in central midfield. Still just 25 years of age, the Euro 2016 winner has an impressive footballing CV, having already played for Benfica, Valencia and Barcelona as well as his triumph with Portugal. Yerry Mina is a 23-year-old centre-back who many English football fans will recall following his exploits at this year’s World Cup. The Colombian scored three goals, including an injury-time equaliser against England in the last 16.
The Blues are looking to fix their defensive issues with the further addition of Kurt Zouma. The French centre-half is still a Chelsea player, having spent last season with relegated Stoke City. After a deal sheet was submitted, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be processed in time.
