Move to West Brom will be a step up - Heggebo

New West Bromwich Albion signing Aune Heggebo in action during pre-season training Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Aune Heggebo scored 29 goals in 102 appearances for SK Brann

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West Bromwich Albion signing Aune Heggebo says he knows playing in England will be a "step up" from the level he has been used to in Norway and is excited by the prospect.

The 23-year-old striker has immediately linked up with the rest of the Baggies squad on their pre-season tour in Austria following Monday's move from SK Brann for an undisclosed fee.

Heggebo, who has agreed a five-year contract at The Hawthorns, is new Albion head coach Ryan Mason's third signing of the summer ahead of the start of the Championship season next month.

"It's been an intense few days," Heggebo told BBC Radio WM. "The quality of the training is very good and the tactical insights have been really good.

"It's a really exciting opportunity. Of course it's a step up from the league I came from in Norway and it's a really good challenge."

Although Heggebo has experience of European competition though Brann's Europa Conference League campaign last year, he knows the cut and thrust of England's second tier will be a different prospect.

"Maybe on all sides of the game - in terms of physicality, tempo and quality on the ball," he said.

"But hopefully with good training and focus I will adapt. I'm hard-working, aggressive and like to score goals."

Heggebo said another attraction of moving to England was the fans' love of the game.

"Experiencing English stadiums and fan culture will be really special," he said,

"The English go crazy for football, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Heggbo joins fellow Norwegian Torbjorn Heggem in the squad, having seen his compatriot not only win Albion's player of the season award in 2024-25 but also break into the national side during his time with the Baggies.

With Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton Wanderers the top two in his position, Heggbo says his international ambitions are "up the road" at the moment but would love to emulate Heggem's journey.

"Of course it's a super-inspiring story," he added.

"I've followed him on his way into the national team and him working into the starting line up - it's a really crazy story how far he's come in the last few years."

Follow the Albion in Austria diary of BBC WM's Steve Hermon by clicking here.

Media caption,

Striker Heggebo looking forward to WBA "challenge"