West Ham are reportedly set to taste success in their pursuit of West Brom attacker Matheus Pereira by submitting a bid of around £22 million for the Brazilian.
According to journalist Nayef Bin Abdullah, West Ham United have agreed a deal worth £22 million for West Bromwich Albion’s Brazilian midfielder Matheus Pereira.
With no answers from Manchester United on their last year’s loan star Jesse Lingard, the Hammers desperation is only growing further. As a result, they are now looking for alternatives in the market for Lingard.
And one of those options can be West Brom star Matheus Pereira. Despite his side’s dismal campaign last year, Pereira was one of the brightest light at the Hawthorns. The silky Brazilian fired 11 goals and laid on six assists marking an impressive debut season in the top flight.
Pereira would be another quality addition in David Moyes’ already stocked attacking roster. His creativity, versatility and set-piece ability could come in handy for the east London outfit. Pereira is a fantastic dribbler, great on the ball, has a lovely left-foot, and he can turn defenders inside out with his silky skills. He is also a great crosser of the ball and dangerous shooting from the edge of the box.
Reading through his last term metrics, he was shooting at a decent rate of 2 shots per 90 for a shot-shy West Brom side, was their chief creator at 1.8 key passes and was averaging 1.5 long balls along with 1.1 crosses per 90. Excellent numbers for a player in a relegated side. He isn’t a defensive slouch either, averaging 1.7 tackles & Interceptions and an aggressive presser, a perfect fit for Moyes’ system.
Moyes likes to set up his side in a counter-attacking manner to get results against the big boys; a midfield maestro like Pereira, who, along with direct running, has an eye for laying an excellent through balls, can become a key element to the system.
At only 25 years old, Pereira’s peak years are still ahead of him and he is still to realise his full potential. He is an exciting entertainer and can get fans off their seats at the London stadium.
With Leicester also hovering around for the player, West Ham have seemingly moved quickly to sew up the deal for the Brazilian playmaker. As per the aforementioned report, a deal worth £22 million has been agreed upon, with the player also reaching an agreement with the Hammers. And, having signed Alphonse Areola, a deal for Pereira could be nearing for Moyes & co.