Manager of West Bromwich Albion Slaven Bilic has stated how disappointed he is with the transfer of Ahmed Hegazi to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.
Hegazi made the move to Al-Ittihad on a loan deal, but will sign on a permanent deal at the end of the 2020-2021 season.
The Egyptian defender made the move to West Brom from Egyptian Premier League side Al Ahly in 2017, and has made 104 appearances across all competitions.
Hegazi played an important role as West Brom gained promotion to the English Premier League as he made 14 starts for the club.
Bilic has talked about his frustration after West Brom signed off the loan move that took Hegazi away from the Hawthorns.
“He has experience. He is a top professional,” Bilic said.
“I wanted him to stay and he wanted to stay and then something happened and then he is off although I had assurances from the club that he would stay.
“That happened yesterday. Of course, I am not pleased. I am really disappointed because we need players. There is, of course, the economic side but we are a football club.”
Hegazi wrote an emotional farewell to West Brom and the fans.
“To my dear Baggies, I would like to thank you deeply for all the support you have given me over the past three years, through all the ups and downs. You have been amazing to me and my family,” the Egyptian wrote on Instagram.
“And I have always endeavoured to repay this faith by giving absolutely everything on the pitch for this great club, the fans and my teammates.
“I would also like to thank my teammates, coaches, and all the staff at West Bromwich Albion for welcoming me from day one, you have become family and I will miss you all, I wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season and the future.
“Now I’m looking forward to starting a new challenge with Al Ittihad club, which is one of the biggest and most popular in the Arab region, Asia.”
Al-Ittihad will face Al Ahli in a Pro League game this weekend, and Hegazi might be in line to make his league debut.