Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi has completed his move to Saudi Professional League Al Ittihad on an initial loan deal from English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion, with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Al Ittihad will have to pay West Brom £3.5 million for a two-year permanent deal at the end of his loan deal.
Hegazi has found playing time difficult to come by at West Brom and will hope his switch to Saudi Arabia might guarantee that.
Hegazi made just one appearance this season in the English Premier League in the sides goalless draw against Burnley last week, playing all 90mins.
Hegazi joins other African stars at Al Ittihad like Wilfried Bony of Ivory Coast, Anice Badri of Tunisia, El Ahmadi of Morocco and Ahmed Eldin of Mali.
Hegazi started his career at Ismaily, and moved to Serie A side Fiorentina in 2012. While playing in Italy, the center-back was sent out on loan to second division side Perugia.
He made his way back to Egypt in 2015, signing for Al Ahly before moving out on loan to West Brom in 2017 before he made a permanent move to the Hawthorns.
Hegazi could make his debut when the Tigers host Al Ahli for their next league fixture at the King Abdullah Sports City over the weekend.
Al Ittihad are yet to win a game in the league this season, picking up a point from two matches so far.
