Ali Gabr is looking set to become West Bromwich Albion’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Alan Pardew has endured a frustratingly quiet month so far, with speculation surrounding Jonny Evans’ future at The Hawthorns rather than new signings dominating the headlines coming out of the club. And the Express and Star reports that the initial plan had been to make a move for Gabr if Evans had sealed a move away during his window.
However, the Baggies have decided to move for the 29-year-old anyway, with the Express and Star reporting that West Brom are set to pay £438,000 for the initial loan deal while they could make the deal permanent for £1.1 million.
The deal will, of course, inspire comparisons with the move that saw Gabr’s international teammate Ahmed Hegazi make the switch to the Premier League earlier in the campaign, with Hegazi’s loan move being made permanent after an inspired start to life with the Baggies.
West Brom fans will certainly be hoping that Gabr’s seemingly imminent arrival is not the only signing that the club make during the final days of the window.
The Baggies have shown some much better form lately, but they still find themselves in the bottom three in the Premier League so letting the deadline come and go without getting more players in would surely be a major gamble.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
