Ahmed Hegazi left West Brom in the summer of 2020, much to the chagrin of then-manager Slaven Bilic, and could now return to England.
According to reports, Ahmed Hegazi, the former West Brom defender, is being considered for a return to England and a potential stint in the Championship. The 32-year-old departed Albion during the summer transfer window of 2020, shortly after the club had secured promotion back to the Premier League, to join Al-Ittihad.
Initially arriving on a loan agreement, Hegazi later finalized a permanent move to the Saudi Pro League the following summer. This transfer decision puzzled the then-manager Slaven Bilic, who openly expressed his desire to keep Hegazi at the club, contradicting the decision to let him go.
Bilic stated, “It definitely wasn’t my decision. It wasn’t a football decision to be fair. I am very disappointed. We are a team that needs all our good players. He is the player that has know-how in the Premier League, that has vast experience, a national team player, a great professional and played last week against Burnley.”
“He trained with us all week, and when we did the shape, he was there even on Saturday.” I had been assured that he would stay, therefore his departure disappoints me greatly. I wished he would stay. He desired to remain this week. It came as a surprise when he left. Obviously, the club wanted to get rid of him.”
Ahmed Hegazi, who became a part of West Brom under Tony Pulis in the summer of 2017, went through a rollercoaster journey during his three-year tenure at The Hawthorns. Experiencing relegation, play-off heartbreak, and eventual delight with promotion, Hegazi managed to score four goals across 101 appearances for the Baggies. However, his time at Al-Ittihad has been less positive, especially after the arrivals of prominent players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho. He has been omitted from the squad and might seek a move in the January transfer window.
Recent reports indicate that Hegazi is attracting interest from both Middlesbrough and Cardiff City in the ongoing transfer window. As the Championship enters the second half of its season, both clubs, sitting within the play-off mix after promising starts, are reportedly eyeing Hegazi’s services.
According to Team Talk, Hegazi has been offered to around half a dozen clubs, including Rangers and Celtic, as he aims to secure regular playing time. His contract with Al-Ittihad is set to run until 2026, but the possibility of a move in January remains on the cards.
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