According to ESPN, Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the prospects of Ahmed Hegazi at West Brom. Earlier reports claimed that the centre-back’s release clause was worth around £2.5m but those statements proved to be false. It might cost Spurs a significant amount despite Albion’s loss of Premier League status since the 27-year-old has proven himself to be a solid defensive ace.
Hegazi appeared in 42 games for the Baggies last campaign and was prolific towards the end stages. He was key in West Brom’s final stretch fight for top-flight survival even though it ended up being a failure.
Hegazi also maintained his first-team spot over Jonny Evans who has been at the heart of speculative interest from top sides throughout the 2017/18 season. The Egyptian is set to take part in his national team’s ambitious fight for the 2018 World Cup trophy at Russia, this June.
Hegazi has already been capped 43 times by his country and will be a player to watch out for, other than the prolific attacker, Mohamed Salah.
The 27-year-old comes from humble beginnings at Ismailia Egypt, where he played for Al Ahly Sporting Club before joining Albion. Hegazi had a 3-season stint with Serie A outfit, Fiorentina but could never break into the senior squad.
He is a player who is thoroughly comfortable on the ball and towers over most of the opposition forwards with his 6 feet 4-inch stature. He had impressed Tony Pulis enough in his initial loan spell to earn a permanent call-up last summer on a 5-year contract.
Tottenham could benefit from the Egyptian’s services but only if Toby Alderweireld quits the North London side this summer. The latter seems to be unhappy with the role he has been delegated to in recent times. He does not enjoy sitting behind Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen, only managing an occasional call-up for the cup games or inconsequential league matches.
Much of the problem has been with his fitness issues. The Belgian’s recurring injury concerns somehow has allowed the newly signed Sanchez to cement his place in the starting lineup, forming a lucrative bond with Vertonghen.
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Mauricio Pochettino has found it hard to rotate Alderweireld into the mix but is also aware of what the 28-year-old’s departure could spell for the club in the future. Squad depth is necessary to fight for major honours and Hegazi will have a key role, if brought in.
