Amartey and Man City gem – Three defenders West Brom could sign to replace Heggem
Torbjorn Heggem could leave West Brom in the coming weeks, with Bologna keen to sign the defender.
The Italian club formalised their interest in Heggem with a £5.7million bid on Friday (1 August). However, the Baggies value the defender at a fee closer to £10million.
Heggem arrived at The Hawthorns last summer from Swedish side Brommapojkarna and appeared in all but one Championship game last season, playing both in the centre and on the left of the defence.
If the Norwegian were to be sold, he would certainly need replacing. Therefore, West Brom News has identified three defenders who could be signed as a replacement for Heggem.
Daniel Amartey – Free agent
West Brom could look toward Daniel Amartey, who is available on a free transfer this summer, after leaving Turkish side Besiktas at the end of the season.
The defender spent seven years at Leicester City before that, joining following the Foxes’ iconic Premier League title victory and leaving after their relegation in 2023.
Amartey, 30, would provide an experienced option for Ryan Mason, and while his wages could be on the higher side, the defender would add definite quality.
The Ghanaian did suffer from injury issues last season, which could pose a problem for West Brom, but when fit, the centre-back would represent a strong option to replace Heggem’s impact.
Vitor Reis – Manchester City
Vitor Reis would be among the most ambitious signings West Brom could make.
The Brazilian defender was signed by Manchester City in a deal worth around £30m in January, but failed to make more than four appearances for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Reis has now reportedly requested a loan move, and while the 19-year-old’s quality could see him play in a higher quality of league, the Championship could be the perfect place to test him physically.
The defender is very highly thought of at City, and the Baggies would be in for a treat if they managed to secure a loan move for him.
Mark McGuinness – Luton Town
Mark McGuinness joined Luton Town last summer in a deal that could rise to £10m.
The Arsenal academy product is among the Hatters’ key defenders, but relegation last season has left Luton struggling to hold on to their best talents.
| Mark McGuinness | Championship 2024/25 (per 90) |
| Aerials won | 5.16 |
| Clearances | 6.62 |
| Carries | 21.94 |
McGuinness boasts impressive underlying stats and would be seen as a marquee signing for West Brom if they can prise him away from Matt Bloomfield’s side.
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