Matheus Pereira has been in tremendous form for West Brom on loan (Getty Images)
According to Football Insider (h/t Leeds Live), West Ham have joined the race to sign Sporting CP winger Matheus Pereira, who currently plies his trade with West Brom on loan.
Pereira, 23, came through the ranks of Sporting CP’s youth system and arrived at the Hawthorns last summer on loan. He has been one of the standout performers for the Baggies, helping them to a possible automatic qualification to the Premier League.
He has been a regular under Slaven Bilic and has featured in 34 games across all competitions, racking up 6 goals and 16 assists in the process. Pereira was previously with Nuremberg in the Bundesliga and was impressive in Germany.
Meanwhile, West Ham have been below-par this season, costing Manuel Pellegrini his job. The arrival of David Moyes in December looked to be the turning point in their campaign as they got off to a winning start under the Scotsman.
Since then, the Hammers have won just one league game and are 16th in the league table, level on points with Watford and relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
The forwards in their ranks – Sebastien Haller, Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio, Andriy Yarmalenko and Felipe Anderson have not been at their best. Winter signing Jarrod Bowen has forced his way into the starting XI and looks to be the only bright spark in the squad.
Therefore, to bolster their attack and add quality depth in the squad, the manager should make a move for a forward in the summer and Matheus Pereira would be a viable option for the Londoners.
The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season and has the ability to develop into an established forward, given he continues at the same level. He is capable of operating from either flank and would be useful on the left side of the pitch, where only Anderson is available for the Hammers.
The Brazilian is a very talented footballer and also has a lot of room for development. His inclusion in the squad would certainly bring in healthy competition. He has been impressive for the past few seasons wherever he has played.
West Ham’s lack of quality and goals clearly indicates that they need to bring in young forwards to the team. And Pereira, who is just 23, can give provide them with the required depth. He has gone from strength to strength this season and can be seen as a future star.
Therefore, the Hammers must make a move for the Brazilian and lure him to the London Stadium in the summer.
