The Times: West Brom likely to expect £24m for Matheus Pereira
West Brom will likely expect to sell Matheus Pereira this summer for three times more than they bought him for, claim The Times.
Pereira has attracted interest from Aston Villa [The Athletic] recently but with three years remaining on his contract Albion have some negotiating power.
The Brazilian signed on a permanent deal for £8.25million [Express & Star] last summer, so could expect at least £24million to let him go.
Kevin Phillips told West Brom News that the club could get upwards of £35million for Pereira, suggesting the Baggies should settle for no less than £25million.
The ball’s in our court
Albion could come under pressure to sell Pereira this summer, particularly if Villa make an approach.
It would be understandable if the 25-year-old wanted to remain in the Premier League but we have to keep players of his quality if we are ambitious about gaining promotion.
And if forcing Pereira to stay at the club is unsustainable, then we should listen to Phillips and demand a very high price.
After all, if the attacking midfielder is worth around £24million now, then just imagine how much he could be worth when he gets better over the next few years.
The last thing we want is to sell a “fantastic” player for way below his true value [West Brom News].
Fortunately, due to Pereira’s contract situation his value will not decline much if he stays another year, particularly if he impresses in the Championship.
It makes sense to compare Pereira to Norwich’s Emi Buendia – they play a similar role and there is just six months difference in age.
And interestingly, Buendia’s value has doubled since the Canaries were relegated last season.
Norwich set his price at £20million [Football365] last summer and after he took the Championship by storm they are now looking for £40million [Daily Mail].
There is potential for Pereira to do the same, so the club must take that into account when it comes to negotiations.
In other West Brom news, Derek Ferguson tips Albion to appoint ‘top drawer’ manager to replace Sam Allardyce.
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