Fresh Aune Heggebø, West Brom update provided in wake of Mikey Johnston transfer collapse | OneFootball

West Brom still plan to secure the signing of Aube Heggebo despite Mikey Johnston's transfer to Flamengo falling through.

West Brom are still planning to finalise a deal for Brann striker Aune Heggebø despite Mikey Johnston’s move to Flamengo falling through.

It was announced over the weekend that the Baggies had agreed a fee of around £4.75m for the Norwegian striker, who was set to travel to the UK to complete the transfer.

Within 24 hours, it had been revealed that Johnston was set to move to Flamengo in a £5m transfer, with the proceeds of that move potentially going on the incoming forward from Scandinavia.

West Brom set to push ahead with Aune Heggebø transfer even though Mikey Johnston move is off

With Albion owner Shilen Patel having previously discussed how the club still have to be mindful of financial rules, meaning a big net spend isn’t expected this summer, many presumed the two deals were linked, with the club able to fork out £4.75m on Heggebo because Johnston was departing.

Therefore, when it was confirmed his move to Flamengo was off due to a fan backlash, some Baggies fans were worried it could have implications for the Heggebø transfer.

However, BBC reporter Steve Hermon has stated that is not the case, as he confirmed it ‘won’t have any impact’ on the striker putting pen to paper at The Hawthorns, with Heggebø's transfer thought to be ‘close’.

Heggebø missed out on Brann's most recent match, which was a 1-1 draw with HamKam on Saturday, due to the fact a fee had already been agreed with the Baggies - it's a deal that should be completed this week.

West Brom know departures are inevitable moving forward

Firstly, you have to say this is a shame for Johnston, as the chance to join a club like Flamengo would’ve excited him, and the circumstances around the transfer falling through will be difficult for him.

Whether he has a future at Albion remains to be seen, and you can be sure that other clubs will be aware that a £5m fee will be able to prise him away from the Baggies.

But, it’s the right move from the club to go ahead with the deal to sign Heggebo.

The two players don’t play in the same position, so it’s not likely that keeping Johnston will impact the new recruit in terms of getting into the team.

Furthermore, and most importantly, Albion need a new number nine anyway. They lack depth and quality in such a key position, and the investment in Heggebo suggests they think he can become a key player for Ryan Mason moving forward.

As outlined by Patel, this summer isn’t going to be one where West Brom splash the cash, so you can expect outgoings, but there’s a long time until the deadline, so it’s not like they will be panicking.