PER-fect – now Albion must back themselves to go again
The excited reaction to the club’s breaking news on Monday afternoon was tinged with relief; it was something everyone associated with Albion knew was coming, but now it had been settled the focus could switch elsewhere.
Pereira has, officially, kicked things off ahead of what is expected to be a busy period for Albion, before both the big kick-off and then the closure of the transfer window a few weeks later.
In Pereira, the magician who Albion head coach Slaven Bilic discovered through contacts in Germany and was chased by the club for most of the last summer window before succeeding in a beatthe-deadline deal, they have proven what affordable talent there is on the continent.
Don’t expect ‘sexy names’, necessarily, Dowling has said.
That would indicate the Baggies are casting their net far in search of more Pereira-like gems, which work both financially and in a performance sense.
There is an insatiable desire for business to be done, which comes not only from those fans who dwell at The Hawthorns but from supporters far beyond the Black Country boundaries.
That in itself is understandable this season more than previous ones. A return to the Premier League means the club are a far more attractive proposition for talented targets than they would be otherwise – but Albion will be prudent in their recruitment process and will look to avoid thoughtless spending.
In the meantime, Dowling, Bilic and the club’s recruitment team will be hoping to pull off another couple of master-strokes of the same vintage as Pereira.
Dowling added of Pereira’s arrival: “We wanted Matheus to focus on his football and the last nine games of the season. We agreed out of mutual respect, between club and player, to finalise his contract in the close season.
“Everybody is aware of the impact he made in his first season and from speaking to him I know he is now very excited by the challenge of playing for Albion in the Premier League.”
Pereira scored eight goals and grabbed 16 assists in his debut season in England.
He is part of Bilic’s squad revamp with Albion prepared to offload Kieran Gibbs as they search for a new left-back.
The Baggies ended a two-year exile from the top flight last month after clinching promotion on the final day of the season.