Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a full agreement has been reached to sign Wout Weghorst
The trusted reporter tweeted the following:
“Manchester United have reached full verbal agreement to sign Wout Weghorst! Understand that the deal will cost Besiktas around €3m – Weghorst will join on loan from Burnley!”
Excl: Manchester United have reached full verbal agreement to sign Wout Weghorst! Understand that the deal will cost Besiktas around €3m – Weghorst will join on loan from Burnley. ???????? #MUFC
Final step needed: Besiktas will only approve the deal if it finds a suitable replacement. pic.twitter.com/3lLOoyA6h2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023
United have been on the hunt for a new striker to bolster an attacking line that was already looking threadbare before the World Cup.
The events involving Cristiano Ronaldo just before the tournament, which led to his dismissal, made this signing the club’s number one priority in the winter window.
With only Anthony Martial a natural at the center forward position, a transfer was in dire need, even as a stopgap.
Now Wout Weghorst will fill that role at Manchester United, offering a unique skill set to his new teammates.
An imposing striker, he is sure to provide an aerial threat against poor defences.
It was a role that Harry Maguire, of all people, was asked to fill in United’s Europa League game against Real Sociedad in November, a sure sign of what was needed.
But more than that, the Dutchman aggressively presses the ball with a good link game, qualities that Erik ten Hag adores.
Fans will be hoping Weghorst does better than Odion Ighalo, who was the last striker on loan in emergency circumstances. The Nigerian did not score in 12 Premier League appearances.
At 30 years of age and having endured a difficult spell at Burnley last season, the 6’6 striker is unlikely to be seen as a long-term option, with United likely to re-enter the striker market. in summer.
However, it may well be the difference between fighting for fourth place and a comfortable end to the season.
