Al-Ittihad are keen to turn Ahmed Hegazi’s loan spell from West Bromwich Albion into a permanent transfer, vice-president Ahmed Kaaki said in quotes reported by King Fut.
It is no secret that Slaven Bilic was left seething when he learned that one of his most experienced players was heading out of The Hawthorns in October.
Given that the Baggies now have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding nine times in their last two matches, Sam Allardyce could be forgiven for sharing his predecessor’s assessment.
West Brom’s decision to let Hegazi go now looks like a major blunder.
Since his contentious departure three months ago, the newly-promoted outfit have been haemorrhaging goals at an alarming rate.
Just to add insult to injury, Al-Ittihad are unbeaten in nine league matches since luring Hegazi to Saudi Arabia. West Brom’s loss has most certainly been Al-Ittihad’s gain.
“I would like to reassure Ittihad fans that when we signed Hegazi the deal formula was a loan with an obligation to buy, not an option to buy,” vice-president Kaaki told AD Sports.
“Hegazi will stay at the club for the coming two years God willing.”
Hegazi is already on the verge of securing silverware at his new club with Al-Ittihad reaching the final of the Arab Club Championship; a competition they have not won since 2005.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
