Leeds United not interested in Matheus Pereira, Al Hilal in advanced talks – Romano
Al Hilal are in advanced talks to sign West Brom attacker Matheus Pereira with Leeds United no longer keen on the Brazilian, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday evening, the Sky Sports Italy journalist reported that Pereira, 25, has agreed personal terms with the Saudi Arabian outfit with them and West Brom now thrashing out an agreement.
Romano added at the end of his tweet that “Leeds are not interested” with Pereira pushing for a move to Al Hilal.
Why didn’t we want him?
After seeing Pereira tear it up in the Championship and then impressing for a woeful West Brom side in the Premier League, it’s a surprise that Leeds didn’t want to sign him.
Last term, the ex-Sporting CP attacking midfielder scored 11 goals and supplied six assists in 33 Premier League appearances for the Baggies and as Leeds could do with a player in his position, signing him did seem to make sense.
However, Marcelo Bielsa does have a lot of boxes to tick when it comes to signing a player, which is perhaps why he’d have rather had Conor Gallagher from West Brom’s relegation season [The Athletic] than their Brazilian magician.
Pereira does do defensive work but he probably doesn’t do it at the intensity that Bielsa would have hoped.
It’s also very clear from the fact he’s going to the Middle East where his priorities lie because he very obviously isn’t that bothered about playing in the Premier League.
We want players who are 100 per cent committed.
West Brom manager Valerien Ismael wasn’t totally impressed by the South American’s attitude this summer and that could have also played a role.
It’s not our loss for Pereira to be headed elsewhere.
In other Leeds United news, a Russian-owned club is eyeing a loan deal for this Whites midfielder.