Al-Ittihad coach Marcelo Gallardo has indicated that Ahmed Hegazi is part of his plans amid reports of a potential January move to Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.
If there is one area of the pitch where Rangers look particularly well stocked, it’s at centre-half. Leon Goldson, John Souttar, Ben Davies and Leon Balogun have all had their impressive moments in early parts of the Philippe Clement era, and that’s before you mention the likes of youngster Leon King and the versatile John Lundstram.
So when TEAMtalk reported last week that both Rangers and Old Firm neighbours Celtic had been ‘offered’ the opportunity to bring Ahmed Hegazi back to Britain, few would have expected the Gers to bite the hook.
Especially with the one-time West Brom stalwart only recently returning following a lengthy, injury-enforced absence, rupturing his ACL for the third time in his career. A damaging issue for any player, let alone a 32-year-old.
Rangers linked with Ahmed Hegazi swoop
Hegazi could make his long-awaited comeback tonight against Sepahan FC of Iran in the Asian Champions League. And, before the game, Al-Ittihad’s Argentine head coach Marcelo Gallardo indicated that the veteran Egyptian could still be an ‘important’ part of his plans going forward, seemingly dismissing the chance of a January departure regardless of whether or not Rangers were interested in the first place.
“Ahmed’s inclusion in the team will be gradual, in coordination with the medical staff, who will determine a specific number of minutes for his return,” Gallardo tells RMG.
“He will be an important addition for us. It is a concrete possibility that he can play (against Sepahan).”
Ibrox giants eye Nathaniel Adjei
A number of English-based clubs have also been linked with Hegazi. Including a Sheffield United side who have now shipped five against both Burnley and Arsenal, and eight against Newcastle.
As for Rangers, 21-year-old Nathaniel Adjei feels a more fitting addition to Clement’s backline. A decade Hegazi’s senior and without the baggage of several serious injuries, Adjei is very highly-rated at Hammarby and could represent an excellent long-term investment at around £4 million.
