Eddie Howe and his Bournemouth side’s rise over the years has indeed been a fairy tale. Right now, Howe is one of the best young managers in not only England but also in Europe. Can the Cherries keep up their impressive run in the Premier League? Well, there is a big chance considering the way the Cherries have been performing. As per recent developments, the south coast side are still looking for reinforcements in some areas to achieve a top-half finish.
With Nathan Ake being recalled by Chelsea in January, Bournemouth badly need serious additions in the backline. The Daily Mail claims that Bournemouth want highly-rated Sampdoria right-back Pedro Pereira who has gained quite a reputation in Serie A. A graduate of the famed Benfica academy, he signed for Sampdoria back in 2015 and has played just 19 games for the Italian side till date but despite playing so few games, he has been able to show that he is a special talent which is why the interest from Bournemouth is understandable.
Well, Pereira might not be the most popular player but his potential is immense and is evident from the names of the clubs who are interested in him. The Daily Mail claim clubs like Juventus and Leicester City are after him. Juventus, who have been the dominant side in Italy in the last six or seven years, are rarely interested in a kid unless he is a special talent and Bournemouth fans can be pretty hopeful.
The Daily Mail claim that Portuguese giants Benfica, who are the youngster’s former club, made a bid for the promising full-back lately but the 18-year-old is keen to join Eddie Howe’s side. Pereira has been capped for Portugal at youth levels and is now an under-18 international. He turns 19 later this month and 19 appearances at such a young age is not the worst stat.
Pereira has played 10 Serie A games this season for Sampdoria, of which six were starts. He is yet to score or assist this campaign but has impressed with his lively displays at right-back. A modern day full-back, Pereira loves to bomb forward in every opportunity and is a very good crosser of the ball. His excellent pace helps him track back almost every time the team is in danger.
Howe has been using Adam Smith in a wide position this season. Skipper Simon Francis is doing quite well at right-back this season but he might be reverted back to centre-back if Pereira moves to Dean Court. Pereira has plenty of promise and could fulfil that at the south coast club.
