Kevin Phillips reacts as Al Hilal reportedly table bid for West Brom ace Matheus 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 would be disappointed if Matheus Pereira ends up quitting West Bromto play for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal.
ESPN Brazil journalist Joao Castelo-Branco reported on Twitter earlier this week that Al Hilal have offered £12.8million to the Baggies for their star player.
It is understood that Pereira, 25, could be tempted by Al Hilal due to the money they are ready to pay him.
Albion reportedly want £30million from Premier League clubs for Pereira by Castelo-Branco suggests the Al Hilal offer will stay on the table until later in the transfer window and could be accepted if no bigger offers are made.
However, Phillips feels Periera proved himself in the Premier League last season and should be looking for a return to the top-flight, rather than a money-grabbing move to the Middle East.
“I don’t even think Pereira would [consider it],” Phillips told West Brom News. “That’s the sort of move you have when you’re coming towards the end of your career.
“I’d be very surprised and a little disappointed if he opted to go for that because you know what you’re doing there, you’re going purely for the money.
“He showed at the end of last season he can perform in the Premier League and I’m pretty sure he’d want to stay there.
“If he can get to a team that’s on the cusp of the Champions League every year (Leicester), that’s more appealing.
“I just think that’s maybe been put out there by an agent or someone in the background trying to up the bid from clubs who are interested.”
Pereira’s future has been a major talking point for West Brom fans this summer but the club does not seem anywhere near close to cashing in on their prize asset.
After seeing players leave Championship clubs for massive fees in recent seasons, Albion have every right to demand what they want for Pereira.
Al Hilal won’t pay it and so far, no Premier League club is wanting to pay it
If that continues to be the case, Pereira needs to be kept because selling him for less than he’s worth would be ridiculous.
In other West Brom news, Albion are trying to sign an available player who impressed Darren Moore.
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