Atletico Mineiro forward Bernard has finally completed his long-awaited move to Ukrainian Premier League side Shakhtar Donetsk for £21M.
The 20-year old has signed a five-year deal and is looking to take the place of midfielder Willian – who left the side to join Anzhi of the Russian Premier League in January for around £30M.
Arsenal and Porto were two sides who had previously enquired about his interest, but the Brazilian international opted for the Ukrainian outfit. His agent, Adriano Spadotto, confirmed the three aforementioned sides were the frontrunners to procure his signature over a week ago.
Porto had previously appeared to have won the race at one point, with Bernard’s agent and father both telling him that joining the Portugese Primeira Liga side would be his best bet to continue his development.
Last season, he made 36 league appearances, scoring 11 goals. Bernard has 22 goals in 100 games for his former side Atletico Mineiro. His consistency has been a real highlight for his former side, and being at such a young age has shown he can grow into a real talent in years to come.
He joins a number of Brazilian teammates in the side – Luiz Adriano, and Douglas Costa most notably.
Arsenal and Porto were disappointed to have missed out on the 20-year old, but the latter are said to be reeling his decision to snub their offer in favour of Shakhtar.
They felt they were given every indication Bernard was going to join the Primeira Liga side this summer, and were taken aback when they were told he’s chosen otherwise.
Highly-regarded by his teammates at Mineiro, Bernard has eyes on featuring in the 2014 World Cup at the end of the coming season. He’s revealed he hopes his time with the Ukrainian side will help him add to his 5 Brazil caps.
Arsenal and Porto will have to cast their nets out on other potential targets.
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