Former West Brom Star Sold for £16m Earns First International Call-Up
Matheus Pereira, once the star of West Bromwich Albion’s attack, has taken a significant step in his career, earning his **first international call-up** after being sold for £16 million. The Brazilian winger, who dazzled fans at The Hawthorns during his time in the Premier League, has now caught the eye of Brazil’s national team selectors, a testament to his continued rise since departing English football.
Pereira’s story is one of persistence and growth. After joining West Brom on loan from Sporting CP in 2019, Pereira quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in English football. His flair, creativity, and ability to produce moments of magic made him a key figure in West Brom’s promotion to the Premier League during the 2019-2020 season. Pereira’s 8 goals and 16 assists that season helped the Baggies secure second place in the Championship, earning a permanent move to the club.
In the Premier League, despite West Brom’s struggles during the 2020-2021 campaign, Pereira continued to shine. His technical ability, dribbling, and eye for a spectacular goal stood out, even as West Brom fought unsuccessfully to avoid relegation. Pereira’s 11 goals and 6 assists in 33 league appearances made him the standout player for the Baggies that season, drawing attention from clubs across Europe and beyond.
Following West Brom’s relegation in 2021, Pereira expressed his desire to continue playing at a higher level. In August of that year, he completed a £16 million transfer to Saudi Arabian side **Al Hilal**. The move surprised some, as Pereira was linked with several European clubs, but the financial package and opportunity to compete in the AFC Champions League made the switch attractive for the Brazilian playmaker.
At Al Hilal, Pereira continued to perform at a high level, helping the club to domestic success and furthering his development as a player. His ability to unlock defenses, score from set-pieces, and create chances in open play remained a key asset for his new team. Pereira’s influence helped Al Hilal win the Saudi Pro League title, and his contributions on the continental stage in the AFC Champions League were similarly impressive, as Al Hilal regularly reached the latter stages of the competition.
After years of consistent performances, Pereira’s hard work has been rewarded with his **first-ever call-up to the Brazil national team**. Although Brazil boasts an array of world-class talent, Pereira’s unique skill set—combining flair with end product—has finally earned him recognition on the international stage. His ability to operate both as a winger and as a central attacking midfielder makes him a versatile option for Brazil coach **Fernando Diniz**, who is looking to refresh the squad with in-form players.
This call-up comes at a crucial time for Pereira, who is still in his prime at 28 years old. For Brazil, which is in a transitional phase after the 2022 World Cup, Pereira’s addition provides a creative spark that could add depth to their attack as they prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and Copa América tournaments.
Though Pereira left West Brom several years ago, his impact on the club remains significant. During his time in the Midlands, Pereira was the focal point of West Brom’s attack, and his creativity and goalscoring ability gave the fans hope even in difficult moments. His connection with the Baggies faithful remains strong, as he was one of the few bright spots in what was otherwise a challenging period for the club.
The £16 million sale of Pereira helped West Brom financially after their relegation, but many fans still wonder what might have been had the club been able to keep him during their battle to return to the Premier League. His departure left a creative void that West Brom have struggled to fill since.
With his first international call-up in hand, Matheus Pereira is now set to take the next step in his career, potentially playing alongside some of the biggest names in world football, such as Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. For Pereira, this is the culmination of years of hard work and a testament to his ability to shine wherever he has played, from West Brom to Saudi Arabia.
As Brazil prepares for key international matches, Pereira will be eager to seize the opportunity and make his mark on the international stage. If he can translate his club form to the national team, it could open the door for further international appearances and perhaps even a return to one of Europe’s top leagues in the future.
Matheus Pereira’s journey from West Brom star to a £16 million transfer to Al Hilal has now reached a new milestone, with his first international call-up for Brazil. His performances in Saudi Arabia have proven that his talent transcends leagues, and now he has the chance to showcase his abilities on the global stage with the Brazil national team. For West Brom fans, Pereira’s success serves as a reminder of the quality player they once had in their ranks, and for Brazil, it marks the arrival of a new creative force ready to make an impact on the international scene.
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