OPINION
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp must make signing former Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Bernard a priority, as the club has confirmed the Brazilian is now a free-agent.
The Brazil international has been plying his trade at Shakhtar Donetsk since 2013, and has shown that he is more than capable to perform at the top level.
This must interest Klopp, who has been searching for a long-term Phillipe Coutinho replacement since his departure last Christmas.
Bernard could be that player, and the best thing about this potential deal is that Liverpool will not have to pay any transfer fee for him.
It was widely reported that the Reds were willing to part ways with over £50million to secure Nabil Fekir, only for the deal to fall through amidst injury concerns.
Yet Bernard represents the same level of talent, without having to spend big. The 25-year-old boasts a wealth of first-team experience, both at the club and international level, and does not have the Wolrd Cup getting in the way of any potential deal.
Bernard is a direct and skilfull player, as is so often the case with classic Brazillian attackers, and still has some time on his side to adapt to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old’s pace and power would link up well with Liverpool’s famous top three players Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and the chemistry would be frightening going forward.
This could be the bargain of the summer, and Jurgen Klopp must making landing Bernard an absolute priority ahead of the Premier League season.