West Brom favourite's post-Hawthorns career path is a 'surprise' - he could've 'lit up the top five European leagues' | OneFootball

FLW's West Brom fan pundit gives his verdict on Matheus Pereira's career beyond the Baggies

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

After such a promising two-year spell with West Brom, Baggies fans may have expected more from their Brazilian starlet Matheus Pereira.

Although Matheus Pereira won't go down as one of the all-time greats in West Brom's history due to his short spell with the club, he certainly falls into the category of one of their best in the modern era and, perhaps, one of the most naturally talented players to turn out for the Baggies. The two seasons he spent at the Hawthorns will make him a player that they will forever hold in their hearts due to the goal threat and entertainment factor he provided.

The 29-year-old was the main threat to opposition in the Baggies side that earned promotion to the Premier League in 2020. After joining from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon on loan, he hit the ground running and instantly introduced himself to the West Brom faithful with his Brazilian-typifying flair and creativity.

Pereira made his deal permanent in the summer of 2020, and despite his best efforts in front of goal by tallying up 17 goal contributions, he was unable to keep the Baggies in the top flight in his second and final season.

After making the move to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Hilil, perhaps West Brom fans would've expected more from their beloved attacking midfielder.

Matheus Pereira went on to make his international debut for Brazil post-West Brom

After two more than successful seasons for the Baggies in the Championship and Premier League, Pereira consistently put in high performance levels and was given the role as their main creator, which he easily lived up to.

In 75 league appearances for West Brom, Pereira clocked up 41 goals and assists. With 24 of those coming in the second tier, he continued his outstanding form into the top-flight despite being a relegation-battling side, which they unfortunately didn't manage to escape.

Football League World's West Brom fan pundit, Callum, believes that ultimately, even though he didn't get his big break in a top European side, he still has a Brazil Cap to show for his career.

Callum said: "Probably the one thing that has matched our expectations of him since leaving Albion is he has now gone on to become a Brazilian international, and played for the national team, which is, of course, a very big achievement."

"Of course, it's a surprise to see his career pan out the way when he went from Saudi, then went out on loan and ended up playing in Brazil for Cruzeiro, but it does seem like he has found his feet in Brazil now and become one of those flair players who seems to perform every week and entertain people in the stands there."

Despite Pereira's career being far from over, only being 29 years of age, he seems to have cemented himself in his native homeland where he seems comfortable.

After brief stints at Al-Hilal as well as Al-Wahda in the UAE, he has been with Brazilian side Cruzeiro, where he is still performing on a consistent basis and putting up good numbers. Therefore, although you wouldn't rule it out, Pereira's likelihood of making a return to Europe seems unlikely.

FLW's West Brom fan pundit, Callum, believes that upon leaving the Baggies, Pereira's future was bright but could've been much, much brighter. He said: "Definitely, I would've hoped to see him become a player who lit up the top five European leagues for some time, but it's not panned out that way, which is quite unfortunate.

"I think that becoming a Brazilian international is definitely something not to be looked down upon."

Pereira's only Brazil cap came in October 2024 in their 4-0 win against Peru when he was brought on in the 15th minute of the game. Originally he replaced West Ham's Lucas Paqueta, who had been suspended for the match.