(Credit: Imago)

West Brom in hunt to sign 'potential Torbjorn Heggem replacement'

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

28 May 2025, 12:30 am

West Brom are preparing for a summer of change as they look to appoint a new manager to replace Tony Mowbray.

The West Midlands club's search has entered a fifth week, with Tottenham assistant Ryan Mason the current favourite.

There will also be changes in personnel in regards to the Baggies' squad, with player incomings and outgoings expected.

One player who could leave the Hawthorns is Torbjorn Heggem, and a potential replacement has been identified.

Mason could be named Baggies manager (Credit: Imago)

West Brom eyeing move for USA defender

If Mason is to take over as West Brom boss, then his goal will be to secure a top-six place as a minimum.

The Baggies fell short of expectations this season, with the West Midlands club finishing ninth and four points below Bristol City in sixth.

With that in mind, the Championship outfit must strengthen if they are to improve and are looking at possible recruits.

One of those players is USA defender George Bello, who currently plays his football with Austrian side LASK.

It has been claimed by ex-journalist and claimed football agent DOOD that West Brom have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old (27 May).

George Bello's 2024/25 Austrian Bundesliga statistics	Total
Appearances	29
Goals	1
Touches	63.1
Accurate passes	31.3 (83%)
Clean sheets	5
Tackles per game	1.9

Bello has been heavily involved for LASK (Sofascore)

DOOD goes on to state that if Torbjorn Heggem leaves the Hawthorns, then Bello is a player who will be discussed with the incoming manager.

Heggem only arrived last summer, but has already established himself as a linchpin in the Baggies' defence.

Having made 45 league appearances this season, Heggem would be a real loss if he were to depart the West Midlands.

Let's clear this up

We ain't currently made any contact with his agent.

Scouts watched him tho.

But if Heggem leaves or any other defender he's one of many we would show the new gaffer and discuss with him.

But currently nothing in it. #WBA https://t.co/pLoS5vjFCc
— EyaWeGew 𓅪 (@EyaWeGew) May 27, 2025

Baggies must keep Heggem for next promotion push

While news of potential signings will prick the ears of West Brom supporters, they will not want to lose a player of Heggem's stature.

The Norwegian international is key to the Baggies' progress and must do all they can to keep hold of him.

Heggem has guided the Hawthorns club to 13 clean sheets this season and averages 5.4 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

As West Brom approach a pivotal summer, holding on to Heggem must be a top priority.

Torbjorn Heggem