OPINION
West Ham target Ahmed Hegazi is allowed to leave recently-relegated West Brom if the Hammers are able to meet his release clause, according to the Express and Star – and they must pounce quickly to land the Egyptian.
The 27-year-old is not short of admirers with other Premier League clubs also reportedly eyeing up his services, but West Ham must move quickly to trigger the buy-out clause and snap Hegazi up before any of their rivals do, with West Brom powerless to stop his exit.
Given the East London-based outfit’s busy transfer activity so far this summer, coughing up £10 million in order to land the Egypt international’s signature does not appear too steep for the club who paid a fee said to be in the region of £22.5 million for defender Issa Diop.
If boss Manuel Pellegrini does swoop for the Egyptian, who stands at 6’3″ (source: Transfermarkt), he would provide stability to the back four alongside newbie Diop and the West Ham defence would be a formidable force once again.
He was not able to do enough to help West Brom avoid the drop last season despite enjoying an impressive season, with 42 appearances, but the lure of Premier League football may help the Hammers bring him to the London Stadium.
The 48-capped international is an expert at clearing dangerous balls from the opposition – and that is just what Pellegrini needs to bolster up his back line to ensure his side do not leak in clumsy goals that could cost them vital points next season.
At 21-years-old, Diop is a young defender who has limited experience, especially in a competitive division like the Premier League – and with Hegazi spending the duration of last season on an initial loan at the Baggies, he most certainly has the know-how in the Premier League to succeed at West Ham with Pellegrini.
Hegazi is the missing piece in West Ham’s jigsaw, and his signing will top off a triumphant summer in their transfer window if the club acts now.