‘There were problems’ – Bilic names exit-bound West Brom player who ‘wanted’ to stay
West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that the club had to decide against renewing Ali Al-Habsi’s contract for logistical reasons.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper was named as one of several players who will leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their current contracts.
He has been granted permission to make a free transfer by the club, and will not be returning to training for the Baggies.
But Bilic has revealed that both the player and the club were keen for the Omani to extend his deal at The Hawthorns.
As quoted by the Express and Star, he said: “Al-Habsi was different, Ali wanted to come back, we wanted Ali to come back, but Ali had that situation.
“If he was to fly in from further away, there were problems with the flights from Oman.
“Let’s say he was supposed to fly tomorrow, then he’d have to go and self isolate for two weeks.
“That would mean that after that he’d start training, and then he’d only be back for the last three games. He is going to come and visit us and hopefully in good health, but Ali was different.”
If we’re being honest, this is a real shame.
Al-Habsi is a model professional with superb experience, and you can only imagine how useful his presence must be in the dressing room and on the training ground.
With 128 caps for his country, his knowhow is unparalleled.
And while he may not have made an appearance for the first team, the fact that Bilic was eager to keep him around speaks volumes as to what he offered Albion.
Of course, there are more important things happening right now, and Al-Habsi’s caution should be praised given the circumstances, but this is a disappointment nonetheless.
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