---
title: "Everton: Move to Middle East breaks down for Bernard"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-move-to-middle-east-breaks-down-for-bernard/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Nathan Linley"
section: "Everton"
published: "2021-02-01T19:40:21Z"
modified: "2021-02-01T19:40:21Z"
---

# Everton: Move to Middle East breaks down for Bernard

**Everton midfielder Bernard will stay at Goodison Park after his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nasr broke down late on Monday evening, according to reports.**

### Bernard move is off

The 28-year-old had been heavily linked with a move away from Merseyside but there was an element of [uncertainty](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/josh-king-everton-transfer-bernard-19745673) concerning whether it would go ahead.

Despite negotiations reaching an advanced stage for a reported fee of £9m, it was not to be for Bernard who has started just two Premier League games ([Whoscored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/101642/Show/Bernard)) during the 2020/21 campaign.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”343774″\]

[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-everton-transfer-collapses-at-11th-hour/) revealed that Bernard will remain at Everton, which also means that the Toffees’ pursuit of Ivan Perisic will also come to a halt.

The Blues had looked to shift the Brazilian from the wage bill, as he takes home [£120k-per-week (£6.2m-a-year)](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/everton-fc/payroll/), but will have to wait until the summer if Ancelotti’s stance on the player remains the same.

### Transfer Tavern Verdict

Despite their best efforts, some supporters will be [pleased](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-transfer-rumours/everton-michael-brown-shocked-at-reported-bernard-asking-price/) that he is still at the club, with some huge games on the horizon for Everton in the next few weeks and squad depth a necessity.

The Toffees need all of the creative sparks they can get their hands on, as they look to atone for their [2-0](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55874846) defeat to Newcastle last time out.

Time will tell whether this was a blessing in disguise for Everton – or if it turns out to be a woeful financial mistake.

*In other news, **[Stephen Warnock picks out big-name striker that Everton should sign.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-transfer-rumours/everton-stephen-warnock-thinks-toffees-should-sign-diego-costa/)***