West Brom star plays role in huge international manager sacking
West Brom’s season may have finished weeks ago, but a number of players are still in action for their national sides.
Nine players from the 2024-25 squad are currently representing their countries.
Regular internationals Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana have departed The Hawthorns, and England Under-21s ace Tom Fellows has an uncertain future ahead.
Elsewhere, one of Albion’s key players has played his part in a huge shock for his country.
Heggem plays role in Luciano Spalletti’s Italy exit
Torbjorn Heggem was a key player for West Brom last season.
Despite a turbulent season for the Baggies, the Norwegian international featured in 45 of Albion’s 46 league games.
The defender proved to be one of the biggest bargains in the Championship last summer when he signed for just £500,000 from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna.
On the international stage, Heggem has continued his fine form, keeping a clean sheet in Norway’s 3-0 win over Italy on Friday (6 June).
The win means Norway are top of their World Cup qualifier group with nine points, and Italy now face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
As a result, the Azzurri have now sacked manager Luciano Spalletti.
The former Napoli manager hadn’t won a game with Italy since a 1-0 win over Belgium in November 2024.
Heggem has one more World Cup qualifier against Estonia before he returns to England for his introduction to new West Brom boss Ryan Mason.
West Brom took to social media to congratulate Heggem on Norway’s surprise victory over Italy.
Norway’s win was Heggem’s third international appearance after being named in Norway’s squad last month.
Heggem should be a regular in Mason’s back-line next season, with Albion set for a busy summer transfer window.
Heggem offers West Brom stability next season
In a club full of changes, Heggem offers West Brom some much needed stability.
| Torbjorn Heggem 2024/25 Championship stats | Total |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Clean sheets | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
This summer is an opportunity for Mason to build around Heggem, who is an important piece in the spine of the Baggies team.
Albion are expecting a busy summer as they must replace their released players to push for the playoffs next season, and Heggem will play as big a part as anyone in that.