Leeds United have emerged as contenders for the signing of West Brom star Matheus Pereira in the summer.
What’s the story?
The Baggies saw their relegation from the Premier League confirmed at the weekend after suffering defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
And now, The Daily Express claim that Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are interested in signing the Portuguese winger this summer, although they are set to face significant competition from the likes of RB Leipzig and Leicester.
Would Matheus Pereira be a good signing?
Yes!
No!
The report adds that with West Brom’s Championship status now confirmed, Pereira’s exit from the Hawthorns is now likely, with the Foxes currently at the head of the queue to sign him.
Bye-bye Costa
Dubbed as a “genius” who “who has a technical ability that I have never seen before” by former Nurnberg coach Nate Weiss, Pereira has emerged as one of West Brom’s standout performers since his arrival at The Hawthorns.
Weiss added: “How am I going to tell a player like that how he is supposed to shoot, how he is supposed to pass or how he is supposed to use his body? The things he is doing are so natural. How do you train that? How would you train Lionel Messi?”
That natural ability has been on display all season for the Baggies, with the £17m-rated star scoring ten goals and providing another five assists in the Premier League alone – including a sparking display at Chelsea when he scored two and made two in a thrilling 5-2 win.
With Helder Costa’s future at Elland Road very much uncertain at the moment amid claims that he could be one of the players Leeds look to sell this summer in order to raise some much-needed transfer funds, Pereira could be the perfect replacement for him.
His performances at Premier League level show that the Baggies’ wing wizard is more than capable of shining in the top-flight, and it’s no surprise Bielsa is eyeing up a move for him.
Pereira’s arrival could then well be the move that sees Costa wave goodbye to Elland Road as well.
Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target would be a major upgrade for Marcelo Bielsa…