West Brom star told to consider Leeds move to benefit from Bielsa ‘freedom’
A relegated West Brom man has been told to think about pushing for a move back to the Premier League in order to join Leeds United.
Having been promoted in 2019/20, the Baggies went straight back down after a difficult year. Despite appointing ‘survival specialist’ Sam Allardyce in December, they won just five games all season. That saw them finish 19th and 13 points from safety.
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Nonetheless, there were some standout performers for the Midlands club. Sam Johnstone impressed in goal, and on-loan Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher caught the eye in midfield.
However, their top performer was attacker Matheus Pereira. Having played a starring role in their promotion, he again showed off his abilities in the Premier League.
The Brazilian netted 11 goals and assisted six in 33 games, finishing as the Baggies’ top scorer. His efforts weren’t enough to keep them up, but he received plenty of praise for his displays.
Now, he is being told to quit the Hawthorns so he can stay in the top flight. Aston Villa are one of those being linked, with one pundit urging Dean Smith to act quickly to snap him up.
Pereira would suit Leeds’ style
But another club reportedly interested is Leeds. The Whites enjoyed a much more successful season on the back of promotion, securing an impressive ninth place finish.
And Kevin Phillips believes a switch to Elland Road would be a fantastic move for the Brazilian winger.
“I think it (signing Pereira) would suit their style,” former Albion striker Phillips told Football Insider (via Birmingham Mail).
“Leeds are an exciting, free-flowing team, you can express yourself in that side. We’ve seen that with players like Raphinha and Jack Harrison this year, that they can just go and play with freedom.”
Although, Phillips added the Pereira would have to up his effort if he is to cut it in Bielsa’s demanding system.
“But you have to be prepared to work your socks off and that’s something Pereira would have to take to another level.
“But it’s no surprise that a player like that, of that mould and ilk, is being linked with Leeds.”
Pereira’s future remains in serious doubt, with West Brom facing a battle to keep hold of their star player.
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