West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic said he was “really disappointed” that Ahmed Hegazi was allowed to leave the club and that he was assured the defender would stay.

Bilic said the Egyptian center-back was part of his plans to Monday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.

“He’s got experience. He’s a top professional,” Bilic told BBC Sport.

Hegazi made his first start of the season for West Brom in the 0-0 home draw against Burnley on October 19.

Bilic, 52, added: “I wanted him to stay and he wanted to stay and then something happened and then he left although I was assured of the club that he would stay.

“It happened yesterday. Of course I’m not happy. I’m really disappointed because we need players. There is of course the economic aspect but we are a football club.”

Hegazi made 104 appearances for West Brom and started 14 games last season as they won promotion to the Premier League from the championship.

“A big insult” – analysis

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman on BBC Radio 5 live:

It seems like a strange decision. A guy on your team and in your plans and suddenly gets sold the following week. You can understand why he is disappointed.

The transfer window is closed and this is the team you have. Selling a player who has just played in the first team is a big insult to the manager as much as anything else.