Former West Brom star sold for £16m earns first international call-up

Former West Brom midfielder Matheus Pereira is in line to make his debut for the Brazil national team at the age of 28.

Pereira has been called up in the place of West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, who will serve a suspension. Brazil play Peru on Tuesday, October 15 at the Mane Garrincha Stadium, and Pereira will at least find himself among the substitute’s for the match in Brasilia.

His call-up comes following his good run of form with Brazilian side Cruzeiro. He signed for Cruzeiro earlier this summer, penning a two-year deal having initially joined them on loan, and he's had a stellar season.

In the 48 games he's played in this term, he's registered 13 assists and nine goals. He helped his team reach the semi-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, which is effectively the UEFA Europa League for South American teams.

West Brom supporters shared their delight in seeing Pereira earning a call-up to represent his country. Twitter user GriffoWBA said: “Couldn’t be happier for the boy after he opened up about his battles with depression. Will always love you Matheus.

Another member of the Baggies faithful, CallumWBA_ said: “Never been happier for a football player, my goat,” whilst taga_bird33 added: “Absolutely buzzing for him!! Fully deserved!“

Pereira initially joined the Baggies on loan, before signing a four-year deal worth £8.25m. During his time at the Hawthorns, Pereira made 77 appearances, registering 26 assists and 20 goals.

He was a part of the West Brom side that clinched promotion to the Premier League under Slaven Bilic in 2020, establishing himself as somewhat of an assist machine, as he supplied 20 goals for his teammates, whilst also scoring eight goals himself.

Following relegation after one season in a campaign which saw 11 goals and six assists, Pereira was sold to Saudi Pro League Al-Hilal for a reported fee of around £16m. Pereira was linked with a move back to the Hawthorns in January 2023, but that was swiftly ruled out.