Everton make approach to sign ex-West Brom playmaker Matheus Pereira as he seeks England return
Everton and Leicester are in the hunt to sign former West Brom attacker Matheus Pereira from Al-Hilal, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The newspaper reported via their print edition on 28 August (page 78) that both clubs have approached the Saudi Arabian giants with enquiries about signing 26-year-old Pereira, who is keen to return to England before the summer transfer window closes in a matter of days.
Everton are said to have been alerted to the Brazilian playmaker’s desire to quit Al-Hilal and are looking into a deal for him.
Extra depth
Pereira was adored by West Brom fans.
He was easily their best player over a period of two seasons as he helped them win promotion to the Premier League and stood out like a sore thumb for all the right reasons while they were instantly relegated.
In his 33 Premier League appearances for the Baggies, Pereira scored 11 goals and supplied six assists – 17 goal contributions for a relegated side who spent over half of the season managed by Sam Allardyce.
It was some feat by the former Sporting CP attacker.
Pereira’s at his best on the right-wing when he’s able to cut inside onto his left foot while he can also star as a number 10 or even on the left.
For Al-Hilal this season in Saudi Arabia, he’s scored three goals and supplied 13 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions but has also found himself in and out of their side due to various reasons, including multiple suspensions.
Everton could probably do better than Pereira.
He’s good but he could be expensive too as he’s bound to be on a lot of money at Al-Hilal and he’ll want whatever wage he’s on to be at least matched by a buyer in England.
But for some extra depth, it could be a solid addition but only if the finances are right.
Anthony Gordon might need to go first in order to complete this and we know we’d rather keep the Chelsea-linked ace.