West Bromwich Albion have confirmed that Ahmed Hegazi has left the club to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad.
The 29-year-old defender will sign for the Saudi Premier League side on an initial loan deal which includes the option to make the move a permanent one.
Hegazi leaves the Hawthorns after making just one appearance this season and spending three years at the club following his move from Egyptian side Al Ahly in 2017.
We can confirm Ahmed Hegazi has left to join Saudi Arabian side @ittihad.
Wishing you all the very best for the future, @Hegazi 👊
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) October 26, 2020
In total, the 59-capped Egypt international made 104 appearances for the Baggies, helping them gain promotion from the Championship to the Premier League this summer.
The move, which may come of a surprise to some as the European transfer window is closed, was allowed due to the Saudi Arabian transfer window remaining open until November 6.
Reacting to Hegazi’s exit from the club, fans swarmed to Twitter as one supporter lamented the ‘ridiculous’ timing of the news…
Currently the weakest part of our squad is the defence which has now become even weaker… I understand why this transfer may have gone through but the timing of it is ridiculous we now have no chance of getting another backup.
— Liam (@Liam50895808) October 26, 2020
One of the defenders to keep our first clean sheet. Sells him first chance we have. Joke club
— hayden rodgers (@Hayden_K_R) October 26, 2020
Gutted! I really liked Hegazi! 😞
However, our team is filled with passion and desire for the team and the club so that’s what we need! So if he wanted to leave then thank you for everything and good luck!— JonW1995 (@JonW1995) October 26, 2020
Selling players without being able to replace them. Sound 👍🏻
— Matty George (@MatttyGeorge) October 26, 2020
Disappointed 😔 we will miss him.
Good luck for the future Hegazi.— Jeff Brannon (@piczel_jeff) October 26, 2020
2 points and start reducing the squad further. Good plan!!
— Baggie Russ (@Baggie_Russ) October 26, 2020
What do you make of Hegazi’s time with the Baggies? Let us know in the comments section below…
