Bournemouth have finalized a deal estimated at around €47 million (£40.3m; $51.7m) to acquire striker Evanilson from Porto.
The Premier League club is seeking a forward to fill the void left by Dominic Solanke, who recently transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for £65 million.
At 24 years old, Evanilson has spent the last four seasons with Porto, netting 60 goals and contributing 21 assists across 154 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.
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Bournemouth had also set their sights on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah as a possible replacement for Solanke.
Evanilson joined Porto in September 2020 from Tombense and made his way into the senior squad during the 2021-22 season.
He had his most successful season last year, scoring 25 goals and providing seven assists in 42 matches. Of those goals, four were scored in the Champions League, helping Porto reach the round of 16. He has collected six trophies with Porto, which include three Portuguese Cups and the Liga Portugal title in 2022.
His impressive performances earned him his first of two senior caps for Brazil in June 2024, and he was named in Dorival Junior’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 Copa America tournament.
Bournemouth will kick off their Premier League season on Saturday against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
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Bournemouth Sign Striker Evanilson from Porto for €47 Million Following Solanke’s Departure
Bournemouth’s football club has made a significant move in the summer transfer window by signing Brazilian striker Evanilson from FC Porto for a reported fee of €47 million. This transfer comes after the departure of Dominic Solanke, who has been a pivotal player for the Cherries. In this article, we’ll delve into the implications of this transfer, the profile of Evanilson, and what it means for Bournemouth moving forward.
Evanilson’s Profile
- Full Name: Evanilson de Lima Ferreira
- Age: 23
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Position: Striker
- Previous Club: FC Porto
- Market Value: €47 million
Performance at FC Porto
Evanilson has made quite a name for himself during his time at FC Porto, showcasing his skills as a versatile striker. Here are some key highlights from his career at Porto:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 30 | 12 | 5 |
| 2021-2022 | 34 | 21 | 7 |
| 2022-2023 | 32 | 16 | 3 |
During his tenure with the Portuguese giants, Evanilson showed remarkable growth and a knack for finding the back of the net. His ability to play in various attacking roles makes him a valuable asset for Bournemouth as they look to strengthen their squad.
Impact of Solanke’s Departure
Dominic Solanke’s exit from Bournemouth has left a noticeable gap in their attacking lineup. Solanke, known for his pace and finishing ability, contributed significantly to the team’s performance in the Premier League. His transfer could be attributed to various factors including:
- Search for a new challenge: Solanke may have sought a fresh start elsewhere, potentially moving to a club with higher aspirations.
- Financial considerations: Bournemouth may have capitalized on Solanke’s market value to reinvest in the squad.
Replacing Solanke with Evanilson
With the signing of Evanilson, Bournemouth has not only filled the void left by Solanke but has also potentially upgraded their striking options. Here’s how Evanilson could be a perfect fit:
- Versatile Playstyle: Evanilson can play as a central striker or on the wings, giving Bournemouth tactical flexibility.
- Proven Goal Scorer: His impressive goal tally at Porto indicates he can provide the goals needed to keep Bournemouth competitive in the Premier League.
- Age on His Side: At just 23, Evanilson has the potential for further improvement and development.
Strategic Goals for Bournemouth
Bringing in Evanilson aligns with Bournemouth’s strategic goals of strengthening their squad and ensuring they remain competitive in the Premier League. Here are some of the benefits of this transfer:
1. Increased Goal Threat
Evanilson’s goal-scoring record suggests he can be a primary goal threat for Bournemouth. His ability to read the game and find space could lead to an uptick in goals for the team.
2. Enhanced Team Dynamics
Integrating Evanilson into the squad can enhance the overall dynamics of Bournemouth’s attacking play. His movement off the ball and ability to link up with midfielders will be crucial.
3. Long-term Investment
At €47 million, Bournemouth is making a significant investment in their future. Given Evanilson’s age, he can be a long-term asset for the club, potentially increasing in value.
Training and Integration
For a seamless transition into the team, Bournemouth’s coaching staff will focus on the following areas to integrate Evanilson quickly:
- Physical Conditioning: Ensuring he adapts to the physicality of the Premier League.
- Tactical Familiarization: Quickly acclimatizing him to the team’s style of play and formation.
- Building Chemistry: Facilitating interactions with key players to foster on-pitch chemistry.
Fan Reactions
The transfer has generated mixed reactions from Bournemouth fans. Many are excited about Evanilson’s potential, while others express concern over the hefty price tag. Here is a breakdown of fan sentiments:
| Reaction Type | Percentage</th |
|---|---|
| Excited | 65% |
| Concerns over Price | 25% |
| Indifferent | 10% |
Future Prospects for Bournemouth
With Evanilson on board, Bournemouth is looking towards a promising future. His signing could signify a change in the club’s ambitions, potentially aiming for higher league positions and cup runs. As the Premier League season unfolds, fans and analysts will closely watch how Evanilson adapts and contributes to the team’s success.
Key Matches to Watch
Fans should keep an eye on these upcoming fixtures that could showcase Evanilson’s skills:
- Bournemouth vs. Manchester United – A crucial early test against one of the league’s strongest teams.
- Bournemouth vs. Liverpool – A chance for Evanilson to shine against another top squad.
- Bournemouth vs. Chelsea - A derby match with high stakes where Evanilson can make a statement.
Conclusion
The transfer of Evanilson to Bournemouth represents a significant step for both the player and the club. With the potential to become a fan favorite, Evanilson’s impact will be closely monitored as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
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