'It's clearly a huge loss'
- Published
The sale of Torbjorn Heggem is clearly a huge loss to the heart of West Bromwich Albion's defence, however, it is the best example yet of the recruitment model that has been implemented under the club's owners, Bilkul, and led by their sporting director Andrew Nestor.
Outside of the club, practically nothing was known about the Norwegian defender when he arrived from Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna in July 2024.
Heggem cost under £600k and, fast forward 13 months, he is a Norway international and is going to be playing in Serie A after sealing a move which is worth in the region of £10m.
He was deservedly crowned the Baggies' player of the season after featuring in all but one of their Championship games in the 2024-25 campaign, and provided further proof of his credentials with a solid performance for his national team in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Italy during the summer - which may have alerted Bologna to his talents, although it is likely he was on their radar already.
Read more of Steve Hermon's analysis on Heggem's departure here.