After Ryan Mason took over as manager in the summer, many West Brom fans were hopeful that the 2025/26 season would see the club push up the Championship table.
However, after achieving a 33% win rate at the Hawthorns, the 34-year-old opted to change weight classes last month and was handed his marching orders.
The board opted to appoint 33-year-old Eric Ramsey from MLS side Minnesota United, subsequently giving the Welshman his first managerial experience in the EFL.
That decision has so far been clearly the wrong one, with the new manager failing to win any of Albion’s first six games in charge, including a 5-0 defeat at home to Norwich City.
During this period under the new management, many players were not able to perform, and one player in particular was not able to perform at his best level.
The statistics behind Ohne Hegebo’s struggles at West Brom
During the summer transfer window, West Brom completed the £4.75m signing of striker Aune Hegebo from Norwegian side Brann, subsequently adding an attacking option to their squad.
The 24-year-old’s move has caused huge excitement at the Hawthorns, and his early season form has given the fan base reason to be excited about his spell in the West Midlands.
He enjoyed an incredible display in front of goal and then found the back of the net six times in just five games between November and December.
However, the Norwegian has endured a drought in recent months, failing to score in his last 12 competitive games.
These results date back to a 2-0 win against Sheffield United on 12 December, and combined with Hegebo’s lack of goals, the club dropped down the table.
The striker has also missed nine big chances in the Championship so far this season, and there is no doubt that his recent struggles are starting to become a big concern for Ramsey.
Players who could hit Hegebo at West Brom
West Brom’s side have struggled overall in the final third of the pitch since leaving Heggebo, as evidenced by their paltry record of just six goals in their last eight league games.
This performance means the first team have failed to score in three of their last four games, and Albion move to within two points of the relegation zone in the division.
The January period was a big chance for the club to strengthen their ranks, with youngsters Hindro Mustafa and Jameldine Jimoh joining on loan from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa respectively.
With both players still only 19 years old, there could be a lot of pressure to provide, potentially opening the door for a free transfer for Ryan Kent.
The former Rangers star has been a free agent since leaving MLS side Seattle Sounders in recent weeks after his contract expired at the end of December 2025.
The 29-year-old will be allowed to join the club given his free agent status, and his experience is potentially important to the club’s hopes of avoiding relegation.
Kent became most famous during his four years in Scotland, making 175 appearances and scoring 27 times.
However, he often contributed in attacking areas with his creativity, going on to provide 44 assists during this period, including 14 in 2021/22 alone.
The aforementioned numbers are perfect for Hegebo, West Brom’s current star player, adding creativity around him and allowing him to regain his form in front of goal.
Ryan Kent – Seattle Sounders stats | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | twenty one |
goals and assists | 5 |
Pass accuracy | 85% |
An opportunity has arisen | 2.3 |
cross accuracy | 26% |
dribbling success | 2.2 |
Touch inside the 18 yard box | 6.8 |
foul win | 1.6 |
But Kent, who was described as “exceptional” by Owen Hargreaves, has also been active in the United States, as evidenced by his five assists in 21 appearances for Seattle.
He created 2.3 per 90 chances before being released at the end of his contract, ranking him in the top 12% of players in his division.
He also completed 26% of his attempted crosses with an impressive 2.1 completed dribbles per 90. This could potentially benefit Heggebo for the Hawthorns.
It is unclear at this time whether the management will pursue a move for the Englishman, but there is no denying that the club will be acquiring a talented and experienced option.
The threat of relegation is huge for the club and a move to secure Kent’s signature would increase their chances of safety, especially if he can sack Hegebo again.
Ramsey can save his job by unleashing West Brom’s new Pereira over Price
Eric Ramsey could save his job by offloading Isaac Price and releasing West Brom’s next, Matheus Pereira.
