ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 17: Bernard of Shakhtar Donetsk breaks through to score his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Feyenoord and Shakhtar Donetsk at Feijenoord Stadion on October 17, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

West Ham join race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder

By Josh Barker Last Updated: July 13, 2018 8:56 pm

OJOGO is today reporting that West Ham have joined the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, Bernard.

However, they will also face competition from Portuguese giants Benfica who are very keen on the Brazilian.

Creative midfielder

Bernard began his career with Clube Atlético Mineiro for whom he would play a total of 73 games, in which he scored 16 and assisted 19.

Bernard would then move to Shakhtar Donetsk in July of 2013 for a fee in the region of £22.5 million.

Since arriving at Shakhtar Donetsk Bernard has gone on to play 157 games, in which he has scored 28 and assisted 35.

The Brazilian is also very versatile. He is naturally a left winger. However, he can also play right wing, centre attacking midfielder, left mid and right mid.

SWANSEA, WALES – MAY 15: Manuel Pellegrini, manager of Manchester City looks on after the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

New recruits

West Ham have recently appointed Manuel Pellegrini as their new boss and Pellegrini is set to be given up to £75 million in order to bring some fresh legs to West Ham.

When appointed West Ham boss, Pellegrini stated:

“West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans.

“I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season.

“I am excited about this project. My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition.”

Given his ability, Bernard could well be the perfect signing for Pellegrini’s new look West Ham side and could join the likes of Issa Diop, Lukas Fabianski and Jack Wilshere who have already joined the Hammers this summer.