There are now strong rumours circling the internet and the press linking both James McClean and Ahmed Hegazi with departures from The Hawthorns this summer.
The McClean rumours have been covered by the Express & Star and they suggest that talks with Stoke City over the Republic of Ireland international are now close to a resolution.
Having arrived under Tony Pulis from Wigan Athletic back in 2015, the capped international has probably continued to make more headlines off the pitch than he has a solid contribution on the pitch and he’s never really established himself as a fan favourite – even though few could argue he’s never given his all – the 29-year-old will always put the yards in.
A cut-price £1.5million arrival hs seen him make 66 starting appearances, with 46 showings from the bench and in that time he’s scored five times. Quite why some of the wider internet coverage makes a point of his scoring record surprises me, as it’s not like he was prolific before he arrived at West Brom.
Either way, having rejected a reported £4million approach from Stoke, it’s now said we are close to meeting in the middle and £5-6million would be a good return on our initial investment.
The same outlet claim that 27-year-old Egyptian international Hegazi is also gaining interest, with West Ham United specifically namechecked by others. Obviously, a departure for him would leave us incredibly short at the back, but a £10million release fee is a quick instant profit on the £4.5million we paid Al Ahly for his services.
In response to both pieces of news, West Brom fans can only see the advantages.
McClean:
Don’t think anyone will miss him if I’m honest and even if squad is getting smaller this is no loss at all! Cost us so many point last season
— Andy (@Andy76620323) June 26, 2018
Finally some good news.
— Michael whitehouse (@Michaelwh24) June 26, 2018
I think he created more goals for the opposing team last year. With his stupid fouls I can think of two goals he cost us
— steve WBA (@stevhc) June 26, 2018
That’s the best news this summer
— Stuart Hunt (@huntywbafc) June 26, 2018
Good Championship player, but if he wants out then we don't need him. Let someone else have the baggage that follows him around.
— John Russell (@Baggiejohn1) June 26, 2018
Hegazi:
Id snap anyone’s hands off for 10mil pal
— Stuart Hunt (@huntywbafc) June 26, 2018
£10m…. ????#wba #hegazi pic.twitter.com/0DpSKhZFHN
— Adam (@borrers_) June 26, 2018
£10 mill for Hegazi….????
Whilst he had some good games, he also made a lot of errors & I mean a lot #wba— Jay Hickman (@HurricaneHic147) June 26, 2018
In way too many games last season he’d step too early or lose his man from a set piece. Don’t get me wrong, did well last season and was our 2nd best defender (behind Daws) but he’s culpable for quite a few issues we had last year (alongside Evans) #wba
— Tomwba (@Tomwba98) June 26, 2018