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

West Bromwich Albion defender Brayann Pereira turned down a call-up from Republic of the Congo to focus on training and fitness with his club. The 23-year-old right-back was named in manager Claude le Roy's 27-man squad for 2027 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Cameroon, but opted to stay at The Hawthorns following an international allegiance change from France.

Pereira joined West Brom on deadline day from NEC Nijmegen in a £1 million deal on a four-year contract. After receiving a red card on his debut against Derby County on September 9 and serving a suspension, manager James Morrison expects him to use the break to acclimatize to the squad.