Manchester United have confirmed the loan signing of Wout Weghorst, strengthening Erik ten hag's frontline.
The Burnley striker, who stands tall at 6'4", has left Besiktas and provides United with a different type of forward as they push for Champions League places. Weghorst flattered to deceive at Burnley following a January deadline-day move last year.
Despite a decent goal return at Wolfsburg, the 30-year-old managed just two goals in 20 appearances as the Clarets were relegated to the Championship. At Besiktas, Weghorst fared better this season, plundering nine goals in 18 appearances in Turkey.
The Dutch striker also turned heads at last year's World Cup, coming off the bench to net a dramatic brace and force Netherlands' quarter-final tie with Argentina to extra-time. It is believe Weghorst will play a back-up role to first-choice United forward Anthony Martial.
United confirmed the signing of Weghorst with a statement on Friday night. The towering marksman said: "I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United. I've played against the club in the past and it's a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt.
"I've seen United’s progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can't wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims. Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here. I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and getting involved straight away."
How many goals will Wout Weghorst score for Manchester United? Have your say in the comments!
John Murtough, United director of football, added: "Wout has a consistent goalscoring record across several European leagues, and his attributes will add a further dimension to our squad for the remainder of the season.
"We were also attracted by his strong personality and dedicated approach to football, which fits perfectly with the spirit that Erik is building within our squad. He has shown a huge desire to join Manchester United and be part of what we’re striving to achieve this season."
United have paid £2.6million to prise Weghorst away from his loan at Besiktas. Burnley, meanwhile, have forked out £2.5 to the Turkish giants and the Red Devils will cover the player's entire salary throughout his temporary stay at Old Trafford. There is no option to buy included in the deal.
Although Weghorst was announced on Friday, United did not conclude the deal in time for him to be involved in Saturday's titanic clash against rivals Manchester City.
