West Brom winger Matheus Pereira would be an ideal summer signing for Leeds United, according to former Whites striker Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: Pereira shines for relegated Baggies
The Baggies may have been relegated from the Premier League this season, but Pereira has been a shining light for Sam Allardyce’s team. The 25-year-old has scored 10 goals and registered six assists, which is an excellent return considering West Brom’s struggles throughout the campaign.
He has previously been described as ‘unbelievable’ by team-mate Matt Phillips, often standing out as a star player at The Hawthorns.
The Latest: Leeds told to sign the Brazilian
Leeds have been linked with a move for Pereira in the summer transfer window, with the Brazilian highly unlikely to be playing Championship football in 2021/22.
Whelan believes the 25-year-old would be a great signing at Elland Road, telling Football Insider that his former club should make a move for him:
“It is a mouth-watering prospect. We missed out on certain players last season, and this is a player that excites everybody. I would definitely take him all day long.
“He’s a fantastic player, he’s great on the ball, he can turn people inside out. Pereira’s another option we can use right across that front three and maybe in a number 10 role as well.
“He’s the right age and he’s the sort of player we should be looking at. Imagine, if you put him alongside Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison etc, that’s pretty formidable.”
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The Verdict: Could be an excellent addition
Pereira could be a shrewd addition at Elland Road ahead of next season as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add quality and depth to his squad. The winger’s goal and assists return this season speaks for itself, proving that his game possesses plenty of substance and isn’t just about a few eye-catching tricks.
He is both technically gifted and hard-working – he averages 0.8 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game in the league this season – which should appeal to the demanding Bielsa, and he shouldn’t yet be in the peak years of his career.
Whelan is right to advocate Pereira as a recommended signing for Leeds.
In other news, a Leeds player has been linked with a summer exit, despite plenty of appearances this season. Find out who it is here.