Why new West Brom signing opted to stay with club after international allegiance change | OneFootball

Brayann Pereira has chosen to stay with West Brom during the break, passing up a possible first Republic of the Congo cap to focus on fitness.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the 23-year-old right-back joined for £1 million from NEC Nijmegen on deadline day to challenge compatriot Nolan Galves in James Morrison’s squad.

His debut was difficult, a start at Derby County cut short after 34 minutes by a red card for two bookings, on the night the visitors claimed a famous win.

He was then named by manager Claude le Roy in Republic of the Congo’s 27-man squad for 2027 African Nations Cup qualifiers away to Namibia on Thursday and at home to Cameroon next Tuesday, but will instead stay put. He is eligible through heritage after France youth honours.

Albion want him to build fitness and settle. Morrison gave non-internationals, including Pereira, the first week of a three-week break off, with players back in next week.

After a one-match ban he was an unused substitute in last weekend’s derby defeat to Wolves, with Callum Styles filling in at right-back and Galves out with a knee injury. It is expected the former France under-20 defender will get his chance.

He completed a full pre-season at Nijmegen and featured in three Eredivisie and four Champions League games in August before moving, though Morrison noted the Dutch side defend differently to Albion.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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