Newcastle United have been eyeing multiple players from West Brom as reports claim that Ahmed Hegazi is a new target.
ESPN has reported that Newcastle United and Brighton are interested in signing West Brom’s central defender, Ahmed Hegazi. The relegation of West Brom has incited the departure of their key players and this includes Hegazi.
Salomon Rondon remains the primary target of the summer transfer window, but his West Brom team-mate is now attracting the attention of Rafa Benitez. With Florian Lejeune likely out for the season due to injury and Chancel Mbemba being sold to FC Porto, Benitez looks to add more depth in defense.
The question that needs to be asked now is whether Hegazi would improve the squad and is he worth the £10 million asking price?
Analyzing Ahmed Hegazi
Ahmed Hegazi is an above-average defender and an intimidating figure as he stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches (1.99m). The 27-year-old Egyptian international only has one season of Premier League experience under his belt, but he has started in all 38 matches for West Brom last season.
West Brom is currently the most impressive club on Hegazi’s curriculum vitae. In the past, Hegazi has suited up for Ismaily (Egypt), Fiorentina (Italy), Perugia (Italy) and Al Ahly (Egypt) prior to joining West Brom. In addition to his club career, Hegazi has made 48 appearances for the Egyptian national team and was a starter for his nation during the 2018 World Cup tournament.
Hegazi is not a well-known player, but he has the potential to become one. The Egyptian’s primary attributes are his strength and height, which enable him to recover the ball with ease from opponents and mitigate the risk of conceding goals through aerial crosses.
Last season, Hegazi enjoyed good form despite his club falling to the EFL Championship. Overall, Hegazi boasted the following statistics in his 38 appearances for West Brom:
- Tackle Success Rating of 66%
- 183 Recoveries
- 192 Duels won
- Completed 1,186 passes
Worth the Investment?
After selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham for 22 million, Newcastle surely have some money to spend in the final days of the transfer window. However, Newcastle should primarily focus on securing the services of Salomon Rondon.
If the Magpies have sufficient funds left over, then signing Hegazi for £10 million would be a worthwhile investment. Hegazi is not a proven player after one season in the top flight, but he showed that he can play in England.
It is also worth mentioning that Newcastle have a strong defensive unit that will manage without a new signing. In the case of Hegazi, his arrival would be welcomed, but only after another attacking player comes through the door.