It has just been a week since Tom Pearce signed his 4-year contract extension with Leeds United and yet Bournemouth remain hopeful of signing the fullback this very summer. Crystal Palace are reportedly also in the hunt with Eddie Howe set to make enquiries about the player’s availability.
Pearce is only 20 years old and is already being scouted by a number of top-flight teams both within and outside of England. The Everton academy product has come a long way to break the progressional barrier and leap into the Championship scene with just 5 appearances last term.
With Laurens De Bock failing to meet the necessary standards since his January switch from Club Brugge, Paul Heckingbottom chose to give the 20-year-old a shot at the left-back position. Pearce took to the challenge with great enthusiasm and proved to the fans of his potential with the Elland Road-based outfit. He is currently out representing the England U21 side for the Toulon Cup, having already racked up 2 caps for the team.
The Ormskirk-born received his first senior team call-up as one of the substitutes in the 2-1 FA Cup 3rd round defeat to Newport County. He made his starting XI debut against Sheffield Wednesday in March and just a week later, scored his first goal for the side in the 2-1 triumph over Barnsley.
The Englishman has already shown the traits of a well trained modern day fullback with all the right marks to affect the team on both ends of the pitch. He is expected to only get better with more involvement in the first team and maybe will receive that favour from the new manager.
The question of losing him at this juncture of the club’s history could prove to be damaging in the long run. We are yet to see De Bock hit his usual form and Gaetano Berardi remains a better fit on the right flank. With Charlie Taylor gone, the Whites can do without losing another one of their bright prospects, especially in an area where they are significantly weak at.
Bournemouth are expected to make some noise with their financial capabilities as a top-flight side but Andrea Radrizzani should be quick to turn down any offers. Pearce himself will be walking into an unknown territory where his chances of first-team involvement are slim to none.
The Cherries already have tested professionals such as Charlie Daniels and Brad Smith in the position. With Rhoys Wiggins set to retire, Pearce will only be a sporadic piece with no real value at Dean Court. So it is a wise decision for him to stay back at Elland Road and continue doing the good work.
