Ahmed Hegazi is set to complete a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia – after West Brom were made an offer they couldn't refuse.
The big defender is poised to join Al-Ittihad with hours to spare before their transfer window slams shut with the Baggies banking a tidy £4m for the move.
Hegazi played a bit-part in West Brom's promotion to the Premier League last term, playing just 14 times.
But due to a contract overhang from the club's previous top-flight stay, is currently the highest-paid player at the club.
After signing the experienced Branislav Ivanovic and with Kyle Bartley, Semi Ajayi and Dara O'Shea vying for a place at the heart of Slaven Bilic's defence – and with close-season signing Cedric Kipre waiting-in-the-wings - the Croatian feels that there is insurance in the centre-half department.
Hegazi is in line to increase his current £70,000-a-week deal and is naturally keen for the move to take place.
He will be joining the oldest sports' club in the Middle Eastern state – and one of Bilic's previous places of employment.
And with West Brom set to save around £3.5m-a-year on his wages and with a transfer swelling the coffers at the Hawthorns, it suits both parties for the centre-half to move on.
Interestingly, Hegazi was in the starting lineup for Monday's goalless draw with Burnley at the Hawthorns - playing the full 90 minutes in his first appearance of the season.
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