Manchester United are exploring the possibility of bringing Burnley striker Wout Weghorst on loan for the remainder of the season.
According to a report by Foot Mercato, Manchester United are considering a short-term deal for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst to bolster their ranks. The Dutch striker joined Besiktas last summer on loan. And the Red Devils are closing in on snaring him away for the remainder of the season.
Manchester United have considered several options in the market after initially plotting a move for Cody Gakpo. But Liverpool snatched the player from under their nose, and Erik ten Hag has since been searching for a suitable cover for his current crop of attacking talents.
Cristiano Ronaldo terminated his contract on mutual consent and has joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr. The Manchester United manager is not satisfied with the attacking output on offer from his current crop apart from Marcus Rashford. And he has already asked the recruitment team to find a suitable replacement for the Portuguese international.
But their existing fund crunch would mean Manchester United will only be limited to loan deals. So a move for Weghorst seems viable. The Dutch forward did not really settle well during his time at Turf Moor. But ten Hag feels he can grind out the best out of his 30-year-old compatriot.
The Dutch striker’s gigantic physique and his enormous presence will offer something resourceful in the attacking third, as Anthony Martial has lacked in that aspect in his game this season. And Weghorst seemed to bid goodbye to Besiktas fans after their game this week.
Weghorst’s ability to play in a pressing system during his time at Wolfsburg could be quite beneficial in this present setup. But chalking a deal might have its complications as Besiktas have not shown any efforts to soften their stance.
Manager Senol Gunes hinted the player will have to speak to the club before leaving. He said, “Weghorst is an important player for us. It is not enough to say goodbye to the audience. He also needs to talk to the club. I have heard of such a development, but it is not clear. I’ll consider [him] leaving after I talk to both him and the club.”
The Turkish giants also have the option to buy the player at the end of this season. So Manchester United will have to convince both Burnley and Besiktas to set things straight. If not, the Red Devils might have other candidates on their radar, with Vincent Aboubakar being a target.
Compensation will also be needed to facilitate a transfer, and this might be the last move by Manchester United in this transfer window. Weghorst was involved with the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and netted an important brace against Argentina in the quarter-finals. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can complete a deal for the 30-year-old Dutch striker.
