(Football news) Manchester United are reportedly very interested in signing Wout Weghorst on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The Dutch striker is currently on loan at Turkish side Besiktas from Burnley and he needs to be recalled before any potential move to Old Trafford. According to various reports, United have held discussions with Burnley and Weghorst is apparently very keen on joining the record English Champions. The 30-year-old last season only scored two Premier League goals for Burnley but has scored eight goals in 17 appearances for Besiktas this year.
He will also be remembered for scoring twice for Netherlands in their dramatic World Cup quarter final against Argentina. Weghorst in his latest match for Besiktas appeared to wave goodbye to the fans after scoring in a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa on Saturday. United are looking to sign an out and out striker in the January transfer window following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The club are reportedly only looking at low cost deals and have considered targets including the likes of Memphis Depay, Alvaro Morata, Joao Felix and Vincent Aboubakar.
United are restricted in terms of targets due the club wanting to make a short-term signing till the end of the season in order to free up some resources and squad space for the signing of a proper striker next summer. Weghorst is regarded as a player who can solve a short-term problem and is familiar to Ten Hag’s system following his time in Eredivisie prior to his move to Wolfsburg in 2018. The numbers behind Wout Weghorst this season at Besiktas clearly shows that he has been enjoying himself more than he did at Burnley as he has gone on to score eight goals in 16 games and provide four assists.
That is a goal contribution in 75 percent of matches he has played in. Weghorst has managed more shots on target this season than any player in the entire Turkish Super Lig. He is also averaging more than three attempts on goal per game as he has proven a real handful for defences to cope with. One thing that Weghorst does well is his off the ball work as the former Wolfsburg once made 57 pressures in Burnley’s game against Wolves which was more than any player in the entire division that season.
This brings a certain appeal to Erik ten Hag, who wants his forward players to work hard, and also create space for his other attackers. Weghorst’s most successful goal scoring spell came at Wolfsburg, where he scored 70 goals in just three seasons. His tally of 59 Bundesliga goals since the start of 2018/19 was only second to Robert Lewandowski. His work rate and deft control in the penalty area is underrated because being 6ft 6″, he simply isn’t just a ‘target man’. Weghorst is a player who will give his all for United if they sign him and he knows that this the biggest move of his career as he will ensure he utilises his second chance in the Premier League.
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