Potential Gordon replacement
Could Union Berlin lose top goal scorer Sheraldo Becker on deadline day? According to a report by Sky Germany, Everton are expected to make a bid for the 27-year-old striker, who has scored seven goals and four assists this season. The Surinamese forward, in fact, has been one of the main reasons for Union Berlin’s success this season. The club from Germany’s capital is currently in second place, in the Bundesliga, just one point behind league leader Bayern Munich. Furthermore, Union have advanced to the intermediate stage of the Europa League, where they will face Ajax.
Becker—together with US men’s national team striker Jordan Pefok—was one of the main reasons for Union’s early success this season, scoring six of his seven Bundesliga games in the first seven matches of the season. During that time, Becker also managed to more than double his market value from €7m to €15m making him the most valuable player on Union Berlin’s squad. Since matchday 7, Becker’s scoring has slowed down a bit to just one goal and one assist in the last 11 games.
That recent slowdown in production might open the door for a club like Everton to sign the forward. Union Berlin are known to develop players and then sell them at the best possible moment. A prime example is Taiwo Awoniyi, who Union Berlin sold for €20.5m to Nottingham Forest last summer after previously acquiring the striker from Liverpool for just €8.55m. Union Berlin signing Isco from Sevilla might already be an early contingency plan should Becker leave.
Mudryk ahead of Gordon – The most expensive January transfers in 2022/23
Slowdown in production – Will Union Berlin turn Becker into cash?
Everton, in fact, have the funds available after the club sold Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United for €45.6m on the weekend. Furthermore, the Toffees need depth in the attack as they are battling for Premier League survival. Union Berlin will, however, be aware of that situation, and for the club to even consider a bid, the proposal will have to be significantly above market value.
Player Comparison
1.FC Union Berlin
Newcastle United
€15.00m
Market Value
€40.00m
Second Striker
Position
Left Winger
Jun 30, 2025
Contract until
–
Full Player Comparison
But what would Becker add to a club like Everton? There is no doubt that the forward is a very different profile to the departed Gordon. Becker likes to use his speed, play in and around another bigger striker, and is more of a complimentary piece suited to play in a two-man attack. It is also important to note that the 27-year-old is unlikely to develop further.
The stats provider Goalimpact (here is how it works) gives Becker a 116.9 impact—an average rating for a player in a top 5 league. In other words, what you see is what you will get with Becker. Union Berlin will be aware of that fact as well, which could, in theory, open the door for a move for the right price. But whether a deal can truly be completed in the next 24 hours remains to be seen.
Homepage