Ahmed Hegazi celebrates winning the Saudi Professional League with Ittihad Jeddah fans. Hegazi s official Twitter account
Ittihad Jeddah, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, signed Felipe, 26, on a three-year contract from Spain's La Liga side Real Betis on the final day of the summer transfer window.
This reinforcement of the team's defense could mark a potential direct replacement for Hegazi who has been sidelined for three months with a serious injury.
Hegazi, 32, has been undergoing rehab after successful surgery to repair the cruciate ligament of his left knee in June.
Hegazi is currently out of Ittihad Jeddah's squad as they have exceeded the limit of eight foreign players.
The Egyptian defender will have to wait until the winter transfer window reopens in January to know his fate with the team.
For the ongoing season, Ittihad Jeddah has ten foreign players in their squad.
The team includes goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe, defender Fabinho, forward Romarinho, and midfielder Igor Coronado of Brazil, French midfielder N'Golo Kanté, Portuguese winger Jota, French star Karim Benzema, Morocco's forward Abderrazak Hamdallah, and Hegazi.
The Egypt international has contributed instrumentally to Ittihad's success since joining from English Premier League club West Bromwich in October 2020.
He helped his Saudi side secure the domestic title for the 2022-2023 season.
He was also recognized as one of the top 11 players in the Saudi League in the same season.
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