Brandon Thomas-Asante now worth ‘heck of a lot more’ West Brom paid for him as new player signs
Don Goodman has told West Brom fans not to be put off by Torbjorn Heggem’s small price tag following the defender’s arrival at The Hawthorns.
Albion confirmed the signing of centre-back Heggem from Swedish top-flight outfit Brommapojkarna on 4 July.
While the official transfer fee was undisclosed, Swedish outlet Expressen [25 June] reported it was likely to be in the region of £525,000.
It marks the first time the Baggies have paid a fee for a player since signing Brandon Thomas-Asante for a similar amount in August 2022.
Speaking to West Brom News, Goodman said: “When you compare it to the Thomas-Asante fee, that has proved to be a bargain.
“There are many who don’t see Thomas-Asante as the out-and-out goalscorer West Brom would benefit from, but there’s no doubt he’s been value for money and improved under Carlos Corberan no end.
“His value now would be a heck of a lot more than £500,000. So just because someone costs a relatively small sum like that, it doesn’t mean they can’t develop into a top, top player, such as this new defender.”
Torbjorn Heggem can be a big hit at West Brom
Heggem is one of three players brought to The Hawthorns so far this summer, along with Ousmane Diakite and Joe Wildsmith.
The latter two arrived on free transfers – an approach Albion fans have become all too accustomed to over recent windows – so signing a player for any sort of fee is a welcome boost.
Supporters will rightly be concerned if more new arrivals are not forthcoming, but effectively replacing Cedric Kipre at the back is a start.
The scouting reports on Heggem are positive, and it is clear the club have done plenty of research before handing over more than half-a-million pounds.
Heggem will hopefully soon become a fan favourite at Albion with his performances at the back and prove great value for money.
While many would still like to see an upgrade on Thomas-Asante, there can be absolutely no denying he has more than justified his transfer fee a few times over.
This is smart business from the Baggies, and hopefully it is a sign of things to come going forward.
In other West Brom news, Goodman has reacted to the news that another Albion player has departed for a rival club.
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