West Brom boss Valerien Ismael says Matheus Pereira is ‘not committed’ to playing for the club in the Championship amid interest from Watford… with the Baggies wanting £25m to part ways with the midfielder
- Matheus Pereira revealed he received a ‘life changing offer’ three weeks ago’
- Pereira says the offer from Al Hilal would help him achieve ‘financial freedom’
- Watford are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder on a season-long loan
- Pereira scored 11 goals and notched six assists for West Brom last season
Matheus Pereira is a loan target for Watford after West Bromwich Albion boss Valerien Ismael claimed the playmaker is ‘not committed’ to representing the club in the Championship.
Albion are willing to sell the Brazilian, a star performer last season despite their relegation from the Premier League, but are unlikely to consider offers below £25million during this transfer window.
Pereira hit back angrily at Ismael’s words and remains very keen to leave, with Saudi club Al Hilal prepared to offer him a huge pay rise if they can agree terms with West Brom.
West Brom midfielder Matheus Pereira has been linked with moves to Watford and Al-Hilal
Baggies boss Valerian Ismael says Pereira is no longer ‘committed’ to playing for the club
Yet Pereira would also welcome a return to the Premier League and Watford, who were promoted to the top flight last season, are thought to admire him.
It is unlikely West Brom would agree to a loan with no strings attached, however, meaning any interested club would have to commit to buying Pereira at the end of the campaign.
Pereira has been a huge success at The Hawthorns, helping them to promotion in 2020 before shining in the top flight. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals and had six assists despite his team’s struggles.
Pereira had an impressive season for the Baggies despite their relegation scoring 11 goals
Pereira confirmed he was attracted by Al-Hilal’s offer, adding: ‘After being called not committed with the club (West Brom) I felt extremely disrespected as a professional.
‘Three weeks ago I received an offer that would change my life and my family’s life forever. For (me) to achieve financial freedom at 25 would be unimaginable. I want to leave I want to seek new experiences but want to do this in a fair and correct manner.’
Pereira initially joined West Brom on loan from Sporting Lisbon at the start of the 19/20 season, helping the Baggies to win promotion to the Premier League.
The following summer the Brazilian’s move was made permanent and he signed a four deal.