West Bromwich Albion have agreed not to play Matheus Pereira in friendlies as he looks to secure a transfer away from the club. The 25-year-old Brazilian shone in the Premier League last season despite Albion’s relegation. Speaking at his unveiling earlier this month, Ismael admitted Pereira’s future probably lies elsewhere.
Valerian Ismael said: “It’s not a secret that Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira can maybe leave the club. It’s my expectation that they (will) leave.”
Pressed on conversations with Pereira,
Valerian Ismael added: “After I signed I had some video calls with all the players and for the first time with Pereira. We spoke really openly about the situation. I don’t have a problem. We made it simple, you are in or you are out. But if you are in, you are 100 per cent. He said if he came back and trained he would give 100 per cent, so at the minute he is focused. I can’t say anything else.”