Kevin Phillips reacts as West Brom star Matheus Pereira heads for Al Hilal medical
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 is disappointed with Matheus Pereira with the West Brom attacker on the verge of a move to Al Hilal.
According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal are set to announce the 25-year-old’s arrival today (Friday) after he passed a medical in Paris on Thursday.
On Monday, Pereira released an explosive statement that hit out at manager Valerien Ismael for saying he’s not committed to the club.
In the same statement, Pereira declared he wanted to leave The Hawthorns after a life-changing offer had been made to him.
It now seems as though the Brazilian playmaker is getting what he wants with a move to the Middle East reportedly on the verge of completion.
However, Phillips feels let down by the former Sporting CP ace, who’s opted to chase money rather than show some ambition by wanting to play in the Premier League.
“That just stinks of him going for the money, doesn’t it? For me, it lacks ambition,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“If there are Premier League clubs chasing you at his age, after the performances he produced last season, it’s disappointing.
“It’s clearly a money thing, which is fair enough. If that is what motivates you then go for it. But in football terms, it’s not great.
“I’m disappointed but West Brom, in a way, might be pleased he’s going there rather than a club in England. I’m very surprised.
“When players do that at their age, I question their ambition.
“He’s gone for the easy option and gone for the money so I’m disappointed.
“I would have liked to have seen him stay in the Premier League and test himself there.”
Pereira scored 11 goals in 33 Premier League appearances for West Brom last season despite their relegation.
There’s no doubt that his move to Al Hilal will be a lucrative one for him but it feels that after two years of impressing in England, this is a step backwards for the Brazilian magician.
In other West Brom news, Peter Odemwingie has sent a message to Pereira amid the latest controversy at The Hawthorns.
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