West Brom news: Mikey Johnston transfer twist, Gianluca Frabotta exit talk, Aune Heggebo comments | OneFootball

FLW rounds-up the latest news surrounding The Hawthorns.

West Brom will be ramping up preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The Baggies’ playing squad will be getting used to the fresh ideas head coach Ryan Mason is looking to implement, with their batch of pre-season matches not far from getting underway.

So far during the summer transfer window, Albion have recruited two new faces to the club, with seasoned Championship defender Nat Phillips linking up at The Hawthorns, while the club recently announced the capture of Norwegian striker Aune Heggebo from Brann.

The Black Country outfit are still expected to be busy with both additions and departures as they battle P&S concerns.

With this in mind, FLW rounds-up the latest news surrounding West Brom this summer.

Fresh details emerge over Mikey Johnston, Flamengo deal collapse

New details have emerged as to why Mikey Johnston’s proposed move to Flamengo fell through.

The Republic of Ireland international was set to complete a £5 million move to the Brazilian giants, but the move stalled this week after reported fan backlash to the transfer in Rio.

Other reports stated that Johnston had failed a medical, but the Express & Star rebuffed those claims, revealing the 26-year-old was still in the UK at the time.

Now a Brazilian journalist has revealed the real reasons following conversations with the club's technical director, Jose Boto, who was behind the original interest in Johnston, which have been reported by the Express & Star.

The technical director explained there are two reasons that Flamengo backed out of the deal. He states that there has been an emergence of a 'better option', alongside concerns over the limit of foreign players in the squad.

Aune Heggebo reveals excitement to join West Brom

New West Brom striker Aune Heggebo has spoken for the first time since becoming an Albion player.

The Norwegian frontman has penned a five-year contract from native side Brann, where he had scored 51 goals in 146 appearances.

He becomes Ryan Mason’s second signing of the summer transfer window and has revealed his excitement about donning the blue and white stripes.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Heggebo said: “I feel very proud to get the chance to represent this club.

“I’d say I’m a hardworking player, and an offensive player who will create chances, score goals, and also help the team.

“In Norway, English football is really big. I was thinking that this is such a big opportunity, and when the move became possible, I was really excited.”

West Brom may sanction Gianluca Frabotta exit this summer

As per the Birmingham Mail, West Brom may be forced to sanction exits from the club to ease P&S concerns, with Gianluca Frabotta one player who could depart.

Journalist Joe Chapman has revealed that Albion have been left disappointed that they haven’t been able to receive much-needed funds for Mikey Johnston’s exit, which would have boosted the coffers and eased pressure on their financial position.

Instead, the report details that Frabotta, along with Devante Cole, could be permitted to leave the club so Albion can bank some funds to attack the remainder of the summer transfer window with.

Frabotta had a dismal opening term in English football, failing to start a single Championship game under Carlos Corberan, Tony Mowbray or James Morrison.

Back in March, Mowbray revealed that Frabotta was “not up to speed” to feature for the first team.

Eseola Sule makes first professional loan switch to Scotland

Promising West Brom youngster Eseola Sule has made his first professional loan switch away from the club, joining Scottish outfit Motherwell for the season.

The 19-year-old had spent over a decade in the youth ranks at Celtic before moving to Albion, and he returns to Scotland looking to make a name for himself and undergo a breakthrough term.

The forward has made just one first team appearance for the Baggies in last season’s League Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.

Sule detailed his delight at the move to secure regular playing time.

Speaking to Motherwell after sealing the deal, Sule said: “I’m excited for this move,”

“The chance to get regular first-team minutes was an opportunity I couldn’t say no to. This move makes sense. Being from the area, I know the club and what it means to the supporters.

“Many players have come here, and it has helped their development. I hope to be the next player to experience that.”