Weghorst to Manchester United: Transfer Fee, Stats, and Reaction

Source rorymacrae.co.uk

Greetings, football enthusiasts! We\’ve got an exciting transfer saga brewing: Wout Weghorst to Manchester United. The Dutch striker has been a hot topic lately, with rumors swirling about a potential move to Old Trafford. Buckle up as we delve into the transfer fee, stats, and reactions surrounding this highly anticipated deal. Will Weghorst\’s arrival bolster United\’s attacking prowess or will it be a tale of missed opportunities? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this intriguing transfer.

Weghorst Transfermarkt: A Closer Look

Early Career and Breakthrough

Wout Weghorst\’s remarkable rise to prominence in European football is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional goal-scoring prowess. His journey began in the lower echelons of the Dutch football pyramid, playing for clubs like DETO Twenterand and Willem II. Despite limited recognition during his early years, Weghorst\’s relentless pursuit of improvement and an innate ability to find the back of the net caught the attention of AZ Alkmaar in 2016.

At AZ, Weghorst flourished under the guidance of manager John van den Brom, who recognized his versatility and deployed him in various attacking positions. His impact was immediate, as he notched 20 goals in his debut season, emerging as one of the most potent strikers in the Eredivisie. Weghorst\’s impressive performances earned him a place in the Dutch national team, where he made his international debut in 2018.

Weghorst\’s rise to stardom was predicated on several key factors. His exceptional height (1.97 meters) and physicality gave him a distinct advantage in aerial duels, making him a constant threat during set pieces. Additionally, he possessed a clinical finishing ability, with a knack for finding clever angles and creating scoring opportunities from unlikely positions.

Weghorst\’s versatility was another key attribute that set him apart. While primarily known for his goal-scoring exploits, he also demonstrated an impressive ability to link up play with his teammates, create chances for others, and contribute to the overall attacking dynamic of his team. This adaptability made him a valuable asset to various managers and tactical systems.

Transfer to Bundesliga and Wolfsburg

Weghorst\’s Arrival and Immediate Impact at Wolfsburg

In January 2018, Wout Weghorst made a significant transfer from AZ Alkmaar to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. The Dutch striker quickly settled into his new environment, proving his worth as a prolific goal-scorer. In his debut season, Weghorst netted an impressive 11 goals in just 17 Bundesliga appearances, helping Wolfsburg secure a respectable sixth-place finish. His performances earned him a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

Role in Wolfsburg\’s Success

Weghorst\’s contributions extended beyond goalscoring. He became a key figure in Wolfsburg\’s tactical setup, offering a physical presence and aerial prowess that troubled opposing defenses. His tireless work rate and ability to hold the ball up created space for his teammates and provided a solid platform for Wolfsburg\’s attacking play. Under the guidance of manager Martin Schmidt, Weghorst played a crucial role in Wolfsburg\’s run to the DFB-Pokal final in 2018/19, where they narrowly lost to RB Leipzig.

European Qualification and Consistency

Weghorst\’s influence continued to grow in subsequent seasons. In 2019/20, he helped Wolfsburg secure European qualification with a seventh-place finish, contributing 16 goals in the Bundesliga. His consistent performances also earned him international recognition, and he made his debut for the Netherlands national team in 2018. Weghorst\’s ability to perform under pressure was evident in Wolfsburg\’s 2020/21 campaign. Despite a mid-season managerial change, he netted 20 goals in 34 Bundesliga appearances, solidifying his status as one of the league\’s most feared marksmen.

Loan Spell at Burnley

Weghorst\’s Temporary Move to the Premier League and His Challenges at Burnley

In January 2022, Wolfsburg decided to send Weghorst on loan to Burnley, a struggling Premier League club at the time. This move was seen as an opportunity for the Dutch striker to experience a different league and prove his worth on a bigger stage. However, Weghorst\’s stint at Turf Moor turned out to be a challenging and disappointing experience.

His Struggles to Adapt to the Physicality and Intensity of English Football

Weghorst quickly realized that the Premier League was a much more physical and intensive league than the Bundesliga. The pace of the game was faster, the tackles were harder, and the physicality of the defenders was much more demanding. Weghorst, known for his strength and aerial ability, struggled to adjust to this new level of intensity and found himself outmuscled and outpaced by his opponents on numerous occasions.

The Reasons Behind His Limited Playing Time and Lack of Impact at Turf Moor

Given his struggles to adapt, Weghorst found it difficult to break into Burnley\’s starting lineup. He made only 20 appearances for the club, with just eight of those being starts. In addition to his physical limitations, Weghorst\’s lack of pace and mobility made him a liability for Burnley\’s counterattacking style of play. As a result, he was often relegated to the bench or played out of position on the wing.

Weghorst\’s lack of playing time and impact was also attributed to the poor form of Burnley as a whole. The club was in a relegation battle throughout the season and struggled to score goals. The team\’s overall lack of quality and cohesion made it difficult for any individual player to shine, including Weghorst.

Return to Bundesliga and Besiktas

Following his disappointing spell in the Premier League, Weghorst opted to return to his former stomping grounds, the Bundesliga. However, instead of re-joining his old team Wolfsburg, he signed a deal with their rivals, VfL Wolfsburg. The transfer fee was reported to be in the region of €15 million, a significant drop from the £12 million Burnley had paid for him just a year prior.

Despite the move being seen as a step down by some, Weghorst quickly proved that he was still a force to be reckoned with in the Bundesliga. In his first season back, he netted 17 goals in 34 appearances, helping Wolfsburg secure a respectable eighth-place finish. His impressive performances earned him a recall to the Netherlands national team, where he continued to impress with his clinical finishing.

After two successful seasons with Wolfsburg, Weghorst decided to seek a new challenge and joined Turkish giants Besiktas on loan in January 2022. The move proved to be a masterstroke, as he immediately became a key figure for the Istanbul-based club. In just 16 appearances, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, playing a pivotal role in Besiktas\’ Süper Lig title triumph. His performances in Europe were equally impressive, as he netted three goals in Besiktas\’ run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Weghorst\’s loan spell at Besiktas was so successful that the Turkish club made his move permanent in the summer of 2022. He has continued to be a prolific goalscorer for the Black Eagles, netting 19 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 season. His goals have helped Besiktas challenge for the Süper Lig title once again, and they are also on the verge of reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

Weghorst\’s Impact on Besiktas

Weghorst has been a transformative figure for Besiktas since his arrival in January 2022. His goals have been crucial to the club\’s success, and he has also brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. He is a popular figure with the fans, who appreciate his hard work and dedication.

On the pitch, Weghorst is a complete striker. He is a powerful and physical presence, but he is also a skilled finisher with both feet. He is also good in the air, and he is always a threat from set pieces. His all-around game has made him one of the most feared strikers in the Süper Lig.

Off the pitch, Weghorst is a role model for his teammates. He is a hard worker and he always puts the team first. He is also a good communicator and he is always willing to help his teammates. His leadership has been invaluable to Besiktas, and he has played a key role in the club\’s success.

Manchester United Interest and Potential Transfer

Over the past few weeks, speculation has been rife about the possibility of Wout Weghorst joining Manchester United. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in signing the Dutch striker, who is currently on loan at Besiktas from Burnley.

Factors Influencing United\’s Interest

There are several factors that have led to Manchester United\’s interest in Weghorst. Firstly, the 6\’6\” striker possesses exceptional physicality, which could provide United with a much-needed aerial threat. He is also a clinical finisher, having scored 8 goals in 16 appearances for Besiktas this season.

Impact on United\’s Squad

If Weghorst were to join United, he would significantly bolster their attacking options. His physical presence would offer Ten Hag\’s side a different dimension in attack, allowing them to be more dangerous from set pieces and crosses. He could also provide competition for Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, pushing them to perform at their best.

Suitability for Ten Hag\’s System

Weghorst\’s playing style appears to be a good fit for Ten Hag\’s system. The Dutch manager often employs a high-pressing, possession-based style of play, which requires his forwards to be able to hold up the ball and link up with their teammates. Weghorst is adept at both of these aspects, making him a potential valuable asset for United.

Transfer Rumors

According to recent reports, Manchester United are preparing a €20 million offer for Weghorst. However, Besiktas are reportedly reluctant to let him go during the January transfer window, as he has been a key player for them this season. United may have to wait until the summer to secure his signature if they are unable to convince the Turkish club to sell.

Potential Obstacles

Despite the speculation surrounding his move to United, there are some potential obstacles that could prevent the transfer from happening. Firstly, Weghorst is currently injured, which could delay his potential move. Additionally, United may have to face competition from other clubs who are also interested in signing him, such as Aston Villa and Everton.