In the past week, the Portuguese press has had several stories about Matheus Pereira’s transfer to West Brom, which is set to become permanent.
The midfielder has finally made his 30th appearance for the Championship side, and that’s why one of the clauses from the loan contract with Sporting can now be triggered.
West Brom are expected to pay €10m for the transfer, even though the club are yet to make official confirmation of it.
Newspaper Record managed to speak to the player himself this week, and there’s an interesting interview with him in today’s edition.
“They must trigger the clause, nothing is official,” Matheus Pereira told Record.
“[The Championship] Is different. I came from a different league in Germany, but every day I’m learning and evolving as a player and as a person. I’m happy because the coach likes me. He’s always motivating me, giving me strength and freedom. For me it’s satisfactory. I’m happy to work with him.”
Regarding his price, the Brazilian doesn’t want to say if he’s worth more than €10m: “This is not up to me. My part is to play and be on the pitch.”
On his goals for the rest of the season, Matheus Pereira said: “Help West Brom move up to the Premier League. We are in 1st place, with little advantage. Goals goal? I have one, but I prefer to keep it to myself.”
Record made a few questions which would allow Matheus Pereira to criticise the way Sporting treated him, but since his permanent exit is still to be official, the player has chosen to keep quiet for now: “I don’t want to talk about that, I’m a club player. Maybe later, when West Brom trigger the clause…”
When asked if Sporting president Frederico Varandas or club director Hugo Viana have been following his spell with the Baggies, the Brazilian said: “I didn’t receive any messages or calls on my phone. They may have spoken to my agents, I think so, I know they like me.”
