Exclusive: Campbell claims Bernard’s reported Everton departure is ‘the right thing’
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Everton won’t be making a mistake if they let 28-year-old attacker Bernard leave the club in January.
Last week, The Athletic reported that Bernard is likely to be made available for transfer in January after struggling for game time this season.
Campbell believes that the Brazilian is at the stage of his career where he needs to be playing regular football, something he currently isn’t getting.
When asked if he thought that selling Bernard was a mistake, Campbell told Goodison News, “No, I don’t think so. Bernard is of an age now where he’s going to want to play regular football.
“You can see the squad evolving without him now. He’s a good player who can come on and make a difference.
“But, he’s at that age where you’ve got to be playing. I think it’s the right thing for club and player.”
Bernard has played and scored for Everton this season but he has found his chances limited following the form of Richarlison and James Rodriguez.
Initially, the Brazilian was played in the early stages of the Carabao Cup as he registered a goal and an assist in the 5-2 win over Fleetwood Town.
On one of his few Premier League outings, Bernard scored a superb goal in the 3-1 loss to Manchester United in the absence of Richarlison.
There is no doubt that Bernard can still do a job but with Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon both vying to be Carlo Ancelotti’s back up winger, it will only get harder for the Brazilian to get game time.
Bernard was a quality player on his day but it seems like now is the right time for him to move on as the Toffees won’t be losing much if he departs in January.
In other Everton news, Michael Owen has predicted the outcome of the Toffees’ game against Manchester City.