Emile Heskey backs Matheus Pereira for West Brom summer exit door
Ex-Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey is adamant West Brom star Matheus Pereira is set to exit The Hawthorns this summer after his brilliant recent form.
Pereira, 24, has scored four in his last four games while he also registered two assists in a sensational display against Chelsea on April 3.
The Brazilian has 14 goal contributions in the Premier League this season (nine goals, five assists), leading the way in both categories for Sam Allardyce’s side.
But his efforts appear to be in vain with Albion destined for the drop as they sit nine points behind 17th-placed Brighton with five games remaining.
Speaking exclusively to HITC, Heskey doubts West Brom’s chances of keeping hold of him in the Championship.
“They’ll do well to keep Pereira,” he said.
“He plays some really exciting football, him and Callum Robinson playing between the lines. He’s got this knack of picking out a hole, picking up the ball, turning and running at players.
“I’d be surprised if he stays because I’m guessing that a lot of teams are looking at him. Especially for the last month or so, with the performances that he’s put in.
“But I can understand why West Brom would want to keep hold of him because they’ll want to bounce straight back up. They won’t want to stay too many seasons in the Championship. If you don’t bounce back up straight away, that’s where you’ll have problems. ”
Indispensable, but inevitable
Pereira has been a rare bright spark in a pretty dismal season for Albion.
We’ve picked up a bit under Sam Allardyce since a host of mid-season arrivals, but it’s generally been a disastrous campaign.
Pereira himself was guilty of not firing on all cylinders in the first half of the season but he’s really come into his own of late, with Robbie Savage telling BT Sport [22/04/21] that he had been “incredible”, and his form will surely earn him some admiring glances from around the Premier League.
Indeed, Midlands rivals Aston Villa are reportedly interested [The Athletic] and it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t be keen on remaining in the top-tier should our relegation be confirmed.
Perhaps we could convince to stay with a summer spending spree to outline our ambitions to sweep aside the Championship next year, but it feels unlikely should a Premier League side firm up their interest with a decent bid.
In other West Brom news, Joseph Masi makes claim about future of ‘Fascinating’ West Brom star.
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