OPINION
West Bromwich Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi arriving at the London Stadium this summer won’t have fans excited by any stretch of the imagination but West Ham would be conducting a genius bit of business by snapping him up.
According to ESPN the Hammers are pursuing the centre-back who stands at 6ft 4in tall (Source: Transfermarkt) this summer, alongside Wolves, as Hegazi is thought to be high on Manuel Pellegrini’s wishlist as he searches for ways to improve his club’s defensive options.
The broadcaster points out that the current Baggies colossus has a release clause in the region of £10million which would see a deal relatively easy to wrap up in terms of negotiating a price.
The Hammers would simply need to stump up the eight-figure fee, which is potentially a steal, and would not have to mess about haggling over his price.
Then the club would just have to agree personal terms with Hegazi to get a deal done and given the stature of the Hammers as well as their ability to offer him Premier League football, then he will no doubt jump at the chance to sign.
This means that Pellegrini could swiftly complete a stress-free deal and bolster the club’s defence in a matter of no time by signing the 27-year-old.
Hegazi impressed in his 42 appearances for the Baggies last season and looked capable of being a Premier League defender who could regularly guide his side to achieving clean sheets with the right teammates around him.
The giant centre-back’s top-flight experience along with his no-nonsense style of defending would see him be a rock at the back and a reliable presence in the side.
The Hammers are in need of a player of just that description as last season they conceded 68 goals in their league outings which was the joint most in the division.
After welcoming Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks to the club this summer, two names who will get fans’ pulses racing for a variety of reasons, the club should look to sign a more proven safe option in the form of Hegazi.
The 27-year-old’s style of football and transfer from a recently relegated club won’t excite fans but it will prove to be a genius move for the Hammers as he will make a positive impact on their defensive quality.
