Video Evidence: Elyaniv Brada (Bolton, Everton, Blackburn & Fulham)

Sky Sports reports that Bolton, Everton, Blackburn and Fulham will all be closely monitoring Israeli striker Elyaniv Brada who is representing his country in this evening’s international against Northern Ireland.

Elyaniv began his career at Hapoel Bersheva where in four seasons he bagged 19 goals in 78 games. His tender years and excellent form caught the attention of one of Israel’s biggest team Maccabi Haifa. In his two seasons with Haifa, he was part of a team which captured consecutive Ligat ha’Al titles whilst contributing 12 goals in 57 appearances. However the young striker was used sparingly by The Greens, and made most of his appearances as a substitute.

In search of more regular first football he moved to Hapoel Tel Aviv where more silverware followed in the form of two state cups. During his time at Hapoel his modest scoring success continued, chalking up 17 goals in 62 matches.

Nevertheless, his athleticism and skill meant that Belgian club Racing Genk took a chance and bought the striker for a paltry €90,000. Elyaniv turned out to be an excellent punt, in his first season in Belgium he netted 16 goals in 32 games ending the season as the Jupiler’s second top scorer. In his second season at Racing he only scored 5 goals after his season disrupted by a serious of injuries.

The 27-year-old stands at 5ft 8 inches and is able to play across the forward line or as a winger. Despite his lack of height, throughout his career he has mainly been employed as a lone striker leading the line. Unlike most lone strikers he does not have an overpowering physical presence but his versatility, pace and ability to link up with his midfield makes up for these shortcomings. He is predominantly right footed and scores most of his goals from within the box.

Over the past couple of years many Premier League teams have adopted a formation which includes a five man midfield and a lone striker, making Elyaniv’s experience attractive to English clubs.

It was reported in the beginning of the year that David Moyes had a £2.5 million bid turned down by Racing, who were looking for a figure closer to £3.5 million. Since then the striker has signed a 4-year contract with his club meaning that any transfer fee will be nearer the Belgian’s asking price.

We believe that if the forward does move to the Premiership it will probably be to Everton as the club has already made the front running and he will be able to live near his compatriot Yossi Benayoun, making his settling in period easier. However, Sam Allardyce also has a record of bringing Israelis to the Premier League, so Blackburn Rovers may also be an attractive option.

Video evidence of Elyaniv Brada can be seen here .