Exclusive: Phillips claims work being done behind-the-scenes for West Brom to sign Pereira
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has claimed that West Brom will be working hard behind-the-scenes to wrap up Matheus Pereira’s permanent transfer to The Hawthorns.
Pereira, 23, joined Albion on loan from Sporting CP in the summer with the view to the move being made permanent.
The Telegraph reported last month that West Brom are poised to sign the Brazilian attacker for £8.25million in the coming weeks due to a mandatory purchase clause in his deal at the club.
It is understood that provided Pereira does not miss any of the Baggies’ upcoming Championship fixtures, he will officially become their player after Birmingham City visit The Hawthorns on March 14.
Phillips has been dazzled by Pereira’s performances at West Brom and he claims that he is one of the Baggies’ best players this season.
And he is not surprised that work has been done to tie down Pereira permanently based on the way the clubs are always looking towards the next transfer window.
“He’s been one of the shining lights, if not their best player this season,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“They’ll certainly want to add him to the squad because you can see the quality. I think he can step up to the Premier League because he’s got the ability to produce
“There’ll be stuff going on in the background now that they’ll definitely want to get sorted.
“From what I’ve learned from my short coaching career is in January, you’re already starting to talk about potential targets for the summer. You’re already having meetings about ifs and buts – if you are in the Premier League and if you’re not.
“They’ll certainly be working in the background to identify players in bring in next season.”
Pereira has scored six goals and supplied 16 assists in 32 Championship appearances for West Brom this season [transfermarkt].
He went a bit off the boil last week and perhaps had one of his worst displays in blue and white stripes in the defeat to Wigan on Saturday.
However he remains a stand-out player at the club and signing him on a permanent basis for just £8.25million is an absolute steal.
Sporting CP must be kicking themselves for agreeing that fee.
In other West Brom news, Phillips has claimed this player has become a “major force” in Europe since leaving The Hawthorns.