Andreas Pereira open to Fulham exit as he talks up Marseille move

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Evening Standard

·29 November 2024

Andreas Pereira open to Fulham exit as he talks up Marseille move

Former Manchester United midfielder says it would be “very cool” to join the Ligue 1 giants under Roberto De Zerbi

Andreas Pereira has opened the door to an exit from Fulham with a tell-all interview about his transfer situation.

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The Brazilian midfielder has been a key player for Marco Silva’s side since joining from Manchester United in 2022, but the significant transfer interest in him over the summer still appears to be on his mind.

The 28-year-old returned to the Brazilian national team setup after a six-year hiatus last summer, and attracted interest from Monaco and Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, as well as a concrete offer from Marseille.

Pereira revealed to PL Brasil: “From outside [England] arrived [an offer] from Marseille. We talked, and unfortunately it didn't work. In the last few days [of the summer window], also [there was interest] from Nottingham Forest.

“It was these clubs that came closest to [signing me], but I had a lot of interest [from others].”

Pereira added: “As I was on vacation, I was more in contact with him [Giuliano Bertolucci, Pereira's agent]. But he always warns me, telling me: ‘Look, there's an interested club, let's see what happens’.

Exit wish: Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has expressed a desire to join Marseille

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“It would be very cool [to go to Marseille], the way [Roberto] De Zerbi plays soccer. I was watching it with good eyes, but let's see now in January or at the end of the season if there will be a transfer or if I will stay at Fulham.

“Sometimes, I see something and I get excited to talk to him [Bertolucci]. I ask, ‘Is this happening and you know?' And he always says no. I think: ‘Damn, it's complicated.’”

Pereira’s words could sound alarms at Fulham, where most players have only had positive words to say about the environment in recent seasons.

In an interview with Standard Sport back in August, Pereira admitted that leaving Manchester United in 2022 was the “best decision” of his life.

Since Emile Smith Rowe’s arrival from Arsenal in the summer, Pereira has dropped deeper to play in Fulham’s midfield, with Smith Rowe operating in the No10 role.