Aune Heggebo’s father ‘extremely happy’ as he speaks out on £4.7m West Brom move
Aune Heggebo was hardly a footballer pushing for a move away from SK Brann but, when West Brom came calling, the chance to leave the Norwegian Eliteserien for the English Championship was an opportunity he was in no mood to reject.
That is according to the striker’s father, the Heggebo clan ‘extremely happy’ with Aune’s development from bright young thing of Bergen to West Bromwich Albion’s new marquee centre-forward.
As Baggies icon Don Goodman puts it, West Brom are crying out for a 20-goal a season striker. They have not had one since Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez both broke that magical mark during the 2018/19 season.
Now, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that West Brom have agreed a £4.7 million deal for Heggebo, the free-scoring Norway Under-21 international is the man entrusted to end that six-year wait. The chosen one, if you will.
Aune Heggebo’s father reflects on impending West Brom transfer
Speaking to the Bergens Tidende, Sindre Heggebo greets his son’s impending switch to English football with considerable pride.
From Bergen-born local hero to his hometown club’s all-time record sale.
Norwegian pundit Anders Pamer is confident Heggebo will adapt well to life at West Brom. With his six-foot frame plus an impressive mix of physicality and finesse, the 23-year-old is what Pamer describes as a ‘classic English striker’.
Heggebo Sr, meanwhile, feels that the typically febrile atmosphere on UK soil will feel like a home from home for a man used to the adoring cheers of his neighbours-turned-supporters back home in Bergen.
“[At Hawthorns, Aune will find a] good football culture with lots of cheers and a great atmosphere in the stands,” Sindre explains. “He likes that.”
While this Baggies switch has emerged like a bolt from the proverbial blue for many, Sindre explains that this has been a deal which was negotiated under the cover of darkness over the last ten days or so.
“We have known about the transfer for a week and a half,” Sindre adds. Aune has taken steps all the way, and has always made sure that he is safe where he is.
“He has not [desperately] wanted to leave Brann. There are only good feelings between him and Brann. And then there will also be some money left in the club that allows Brann to continue investing.
“We are extremely happy with where he has come. Aune is definitely still developing – he has barely started his career!”
Heggebo’s Baggies switch is a ‘brilliant move’ for all involved
Heggebo, who earned comparisons with a young Erling Haaland during his impressive start to life in the Eliteserien, leaves Brann after seven goals in 13 games this season.
He has already made his final appearance for the club too, left out of the squad for Saturday’s trip to Hamarkameratene FC as the final details of his departure are negotiated.
Brann reportedly turned down offers of around £1 million in January. Patience, as they say, is indeed a virtue.
Brann’s reward for that patience will be a near-£5 million windfall rather than one a fifth of the size.
“A brilliant move,” the Bergen outfit’s former coach Carl-Erik Torp tells NRK.
“The fact that Brann has managed to push the price so much higher is simply very good business. Now they get a sum that allows them to build the club further, but also bring in a good replacement in the long term.”
West Brom agreed a deal for Heggebo after Lawrence Shankland signed a new deal with Hearts a day earlier.
Guingamp sensation Jacques Siwa has been linked with Ryan Mason’s side, too.
