Heggem exit talks advanced as one West Brom sticking point emerges

Torbjorn Heggem could leave West Brom this summer, in what would be a major blow for Ryan Mason.

In less than a week, the Baggies will return to Championship action with a clash against Blackburn Rovers, though there is still work to be done on the recruitment front.

Three new arrivals have already checked in at The Hawthorns, and Mason will be keen on adding several more before the window slams shut on 1 September.

However, the West Brom boss will also have one eye on the future of Heggem, who has been linked with a move to Bologna over the past week.

West Brom's Torbjorn Heggem.
Credit: Imago

Bologna unwilling to pay West Brom asking price

Heggem was outstanding last season, and as a result, clubs around Europe have been monitoring him ahead of a potential summer transfer.

Bologna are one of them, with a report in the print edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (pg 20, 5 August) stating that talks are at an advanced stage.

Torbjørn HeggemChampionship 2024/25
Appearances45
Goals1
Assists2
Torbjorn Heggem was ever-present for West Brom last season

West Brom are believed to have set a fee in the region of £8.6million, which, according to Corriere dello Sport (pg 17, 5 August), is a figure deemed too high by the Serie A club – the one sticking point preventing a transfer going through.

West Brom will not want to lose Heggem at all this summer, but certainly not less than a week before a crucial campaign gets underway.

West Brom manager Ryan Mason stands with his hand over his face.
Credit: Imago

West Brom must stick to Heggem asking price

The first priority should be to keep Heggem in the Midlands, but if those attempts fail, West Brom need to ensure that they profit significantly from his exit.

It would be difficult to find a replacement with less than a month before the window closes, and at this stage, it would also come at a slightly inflated price.

Heggem could have a crucial role to play for Albion this season, as they look to make a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2021.

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