Steve Madeley: West Brom set to complete paperwork on major transfer by Friday
The 0-0 draw against Birmingham may have been disappointing for West Brom, but it definitely had a silver lining.
Matheus Pereira starting the game for the Baggies meant that he had triggered a clause in his contract to turn his loan switch into a permanent deal at the Hawthorns.
The Brazilian has been phenomenal this season and has been integral to Slaven Bilic’s men topping the Championship table.
The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley has reported that the Baggies are hoping to complete the paperwork for his switch before Friday’s game against Brentford.
West Brom will spend £8million to bring in the Sporting Lisbon playmaker, with his six goals and nine assists catching the eye.
The Baggies also have a permanent option to sign Filip Krovinovic at the end of the season, although Madeley shared that another loan switch is more likely for the next campaign.
Pereira completed 85 minutes on his return to action, although he couldn’t find a way through. The point didn’t seem as bad as first thought though, with Leeds losing against Cardiff on Sunday.
Looking back at Pereira’s first season in England, the £8million fee seems like an absolute bargain for the Baggies.
With eight games to go, the South American will be critical for the promotion push. The playmaker had five shots on goal and completed three key passes against the Blues on Saturday, more than anyone else on the pitch according to WhoScored.
Should West Brom get the permanent deal over the line for Pereira before Friday’s game, it will be the perfect boost for a very tough clash.
In other West Brom news, this Sky Sports pundit has claimed that Bilic will be fuming over one part of the 0-0 draw on Saturday
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