Decoding the key stats of Bournemouth's record £40.2m signing Evanilson
Bournemouth made significant move in the transfer market by securing Brazilian striker Evanilson from FC Porto. As per BBC, it's a record £40.2m sum paid by the Cherries which marks their most expensive acquisition to date. The initial payment for this transfer is set at £31.7m, with an additional £8.5m, should certain clauses be met. The 24-year-old Brazilian is the club's seventh signing of the summer. Here we decode his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Bournemouth had sold their prized assest in Dominic Solanke, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £65m. It was a record sale for Bournemouth - exceeding the £40m they received from Manchester City for defender Nathan Ake in 2020. Bournemouth needed someone prolific in replacing Solanke and they identified Porto's striker Evanilson, who made his presence felt in Portugal. Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said signing Evanilson shows Bournemouth intent and ambition.
Evanilson's impressive track record at Porto
Evanilson enjoyed an impressive stint with Porto, netting 60 goals in 154 appearances over a four-year period. He also made 15 assists. Last season alone, he scored 25 goals in all competitions in addition to making four assists. He also netted 21 goals (4 assists) in the 2021-22 season. In 96 Primeira Liga games, he managed 37 goals, including 13 goals in 2023-24. Before that, he managed seven goals in 2022-23, 14 goals in 2021-22 and three goals in 2020-21.
Evanilson's Champions League 2023-24 season in stats
Porto were eliminated in the round of 16 in UEFA Champions League 2023-24. Evanilson did well for the club, playing seven matches, scoring four times and making one assist. As per Squawka comparison matrix (data by Opta), Evanilson clocked 11 shots (excluding blocks) with 7 of them on target. He created six chances and owned a pass accuracy of 80.19%. He completed two lay-offs and five take-ons. Evanilson had 25 touches in the opposition box.
Blake praises recruitment team for swift deal completion
Blake praised the club's recruitment team for their efficiency in finalizing the deal. He stated, "It's well known that we were keen on bringing a striker to the football club and for us to complete this deal so quickly is a testament to our recruitment team." This statement underscores Bournemouth's strategic approach toward strengthening their squad with high-profile signings like Evanilson.
Evanilson's international career and numbers for Brazilian club Fluminense
Evanilson has also made his mark on the international stage, earning two caps for Brazil this year. He was part of the squad that competed in the Copa America, making a late appearance in their quarter-final match against Uruguay. Evanilson made his club career start at Brazilian club Fluminense, scoring twice in four matches. He returned to the club on loan in 2020 and hammered eight goals in 22 matches.