Feature

Getting to know you | Torbjørn Heggem

Torbjørn Heggem smiling at the camera while sat in the dressing room

Versatile Norwegian defender Torbjørn Heggem ticks plenty of boxes for Baggies boss Carlos Corberán. 

The imposing left-sided centre-half, who can also cover both full-back positions, arrives following a recent spell in Sweden’s top flight at IF Brommapojkarna, and Heggem will trust his ability across the backline can make for a smooth transition into life at The Hawthorns. 

Born in Trondheim, Torbjørn’s local club Astor was where the defender showcased his early potential prior to joining Norway’s record title-holders Rosenborg at Under-16 level, a place the youngster was given a chance to prove himself. 

Positives from the move soon started to show with Heggem gaining important experiences in the UEFA Youth League before making his senior bow in April 2018. 

It was some occasion for his debut and although it came as a late substitute, the Norwegian was involved in Rosenborg’s 1-0 Super Cup final victory over Lillestrøm in April 2018, during a season where the Norwegian outfit claimed an impressive three trophies. 

Despite titles to his name at the age of 19, it was elsewhere in his native country where the centre-back gained a consistent run of senior football for Ranheim in 2019 - where he played over 50 games and scored his maiden professional goal. 

At 6ft 3in, Torbjørn’s aerial presence has seen him be effective in both boxes. Still, it hasn’t restricted his forward-thinking style of play, far from it, with the defender’s next move to Sandnes in 2021 seeing him feature regularly at left-back. 

Torbjørn Heggem posing for a photo while stood against a wall with motivational writing on

Heggem quickly earned the manager’s trust at the Øster Hus Arena and was a regular starter across two seasons at the second-tier outfit, featuring just under 70 times, providing three assists and scoring once. 

This successful stint paved the way for a fresh start across Scandinavia in 2023, signing for Swedish top-flight side Brommapojkarna to play under former Premier League defender Olof Mellberg. 

He allowed Tobjørn to further build his footballing CV as the versatile defender surpassed 170 career appearances over the course of his spell at the Allsvenskan side. 

And the theme of experiencing different styles of football has continued in his latest move to the Black Country, where Heggem will hope to hit the ground running in the navy-blue-and-white of Albion.

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