Going into the January transfer window, it was clear that Erik ten Hag was keen on adding another striker to his squad after Cristiano Ronaldo’s controversial departure in November.
The 37-year-old left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement after he criticised Erik ten Hag in an interview with TalkTV host Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo has only been a bit-part player for the first half of the season but his departure leaves Ten Hag short, with Anthony Martial now being the only out-and-out forward available.
That has led to a flurry of links to Burnley striker Wout Weghorst, who is currently on loan at Turkish outfit Besiktas. Weghorst, who was one of the Netherlands’ unlikely World Cup heroes, is reportedly confident that a deal can be done.
Now, shortly before United attempt to reach the Carabao Cup semi-final, journalist and transfer Fabrizio Romano has provided a huge update on the state of play.
Excl: Manchester United have reached full, verbal agreement to sign Wout Weghorst! Understand deal will cost around €3m to Besiktas — Weghorst will join on loan from Burnley. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Final step needed: Besiktas will only approve the deal if they find the right replacement. pic.twitter.com/3lLOoyA6h2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2023
As per the reporter, United have now reached a full, verbal agreement to sign the former Bundesliga star. It’s claimed that the package, spread across six months for the remainder of the season, will set the Reds back €3m.
Weghorst is set to join the club on loan from Burnley and have his season-long loan at Besiktas terminated. It is, however, also added that the deal now hinges on Besiktas signing a replacement before the January transfer window shuts.
With the schedule getting busier and busier, Ten Hag will be hoping to get this one over the line as quickly as possible.
