Manchester United have secured a loan move for Dutch International Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley until the end of the season. United have agreed a €3 million fee to sign the striker on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The money will be split between Weghorst’s parent club Burnley and Besiktas, where he has been on loan since the summer.
Weghorst was initially on loan with Turkish club Besiktas this season after he was sent on loan from Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League last season. As a result of this deal, Besiktas needed to terminate their loan with the player in order for him to move, while also finding someone who could replace the large forward.
In 18 appearances for Besiktas this season, Weghorst netted 9 times, bringing back a prolific goal return. It’s undeniable that the 6’5 forward has attacking quality, which could be seen during his time in the Eredvisie with AZ Alkmaar and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, where in both leagues he was able to find the back of the net over 50 times in each country.
His most prolific spell came in Germany however as he netted 70 goals for Wolfsburg in only 144 appearances, just short of a goal every other game.
He will bring United’s attack one thing that has been lacking all season, Verticality. His large frame makes him undoubtedly the club’s target man and having players like Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Cristian Eriksen whip a ball into his direction could bring a nice goal return for the forward who fell out of favour in England once before.
Last season with Burnley, Weghorst was brought in for roughly $18 million from Wolfsburg, a club record fee, but was only able to find the back of the net twice in 20 appearances.
United and manager Erik ten Teg identified Weghorst as a suitable replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored twice for the Netherlands against Argentina in their World Cup quarterfinal.
Ten Hag views the former Wolfsburg forward as a valuable addition to the squad because he offers a different option to the other strikers at his disposal.
BD Sports 