‘Surplus to requirements’ – Exclusive: Phillips claims senior ace could be headed for WBA exit
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has claimed that West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi could become “surplus to requirements” for the Baggies next season.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, the former Albion hitman suggested that the Egypt international could even leave the club in the coming weeks if it becomes apparent that he will not be playing regular first team football in the Premier League.
The Baggies are expected to wrap up a deal for Wigan Athletic defender Cedric Kipre in the coming days, with a fee of around £900,000 reportedly agreed for the 23-year-old.
And Phillips believes that his arrival could spell the end for either Hegazi or defensive teammate Kyle Bartley, with the former much more likely to head for the exit door.
Speaking to West Brom News, he said: “I would be very surprised if they both left because you don’t want to leave yourself short.
“For me, probably, if I had to pick one I’d say that Hegazi might be the one who would move on. That’s just my personal opinion.
“I think Bartley settled in really well last season, ended up playing a lot of games.
“So yeah, I would say that probably Hegazi would be the one who might be surplus to requirements, to be honest.”
Hegazi joined West Brom on loan from Egyptian side El Ahly in 2017 before making his deal permanent the following January.
He has gone on to make 103 appearances for the club, including 18 last season.
In other West Brom news, Kaveh Solhekol has said how many new signings Bilic wants to make before the season kicks off next month.
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