West Brom accused of stupidity after Heggem announcement
Torbjorn Heggem has been subject to plenty of interest this summer after impressing for West Brom last season.
Heggem quickly became an integral part of the team during the 2024/25 campaign, and despite the Baggies’ frequent managerial changes, he managed to start all but one game.
The Norwegian’s performances have attracted interest from the Italian side Bologna in recent days, and Albion must weigh up whether it is worth making a considerable profit at the risk of leaving a hole in their backline.
With an exit looking likely, supporters have questioned West Brom‘s latest decision on the defender.
West Brom supporters amazed that Heggem is starting v Rayo Vallecano
Mason’s side play their final pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday (2 August), before they kick off their Championship campaign.
The game will be an opportunity for supporters to see new signings Nat Phillips and Aune Heggebo in action, while also giving the Baggies boss a chance to assess his squad.
Mason has chosen to start Heggem, as confirmed by Albion’s official X account (2 August), despite links to a lucrative move away.
One supporter questioned the decision, posting on X: “Brave or stupid to be playing Heggem with offers on the table?”
Another fan posted: “No Maja, no Diakite, but Heggem is in. What on earth is going on…”
The Albion’s lack of depth in the squad and injury problems have also caused concern, with Josh Maja now seemingly joining fellow strikers Daryl Dike and Tammer Bany on the injury list.
One fan said: “Maja has joined the biscuit brigade”, in reaction to the team news.
West Brom must push to keep Heggem
After pushing so much to tighten up the Baggies’ defence this summer, West Brom must ensure that they don’t let Heggem leave.
Despite a turbulent season, they remained defensively solid throughout the campaign, with Heggem playing a key role.
- West Brom kept 14 clean sheets last season
- The Baggies had the fifth best defensive record
- They conceded just 47 league goals last season, the same number that promoted side Sunderland conceded
Having signed Phillips and versatile defender George Campbell this summer, it would be unwise for Mason’s side to recreate an issue in defence.
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