Wout Weghorst was too expensive for TSG Hoffenheim. Accordingly, the Kraichgau club decided against signing the on-loan attacker from Burnley. The 31-year-old is now being lured by Ajax Amsterdam – and his old love Twente Enschede
On August 7, 1992, Wout Weghorst was born in Borne, the Netherlands. In the Twente region, around 20 kilometers away from the city of Enschede, whose club – tellingly named Twente Enschede – has been the international’s passion since childhood. After Amsterdam, last season’s third-placed club has now also cast an eye over the international, whose one-year loan at Hoffenheim did not result in a permanent contract.
TSG did not want to tackle the overall financial package for the attacker on loan from Burnley FC, who is tied to the Premier League club until 2025 and whose transfer fee alone is in the double-digit range. Now Weghorst is on the market and a hot topic in his home country. Ajax put out feelers early on, but now have competition. Less well-known, less lucrative, but with the emotional factor: his old love Twente Enschede
Will Weghorst settle for a wild card role?
While the record champions from the capital can still qualify for the Europa League before the start of the season, Enschede are fighting for a place in the top flight at the same time. Ajax, who are under pressure to succeed in the player market after two extremely disappointing seasons in third and fifth place, also need to generate transfer income in order to make major leaps forward. Money that could be generated, for example, by selling former Leipzig player Brian Brobbey. However, the club bosses have so far refused to do so in the hope of an even higher return for the 22-year-old in the coming years.
Instead, the departure of Chuba Akpom is expected. The English-born attacker is being traded in the Premier League. According to the Ajax management, Weghorst could take his place behind Brobbey (22) and Steven Bergwijn (26). A wild card role, as is also planned for the 31-year-old in the Dutch national team at the upcoming European Championship.
A prospect that the ambitious striker is likely to view with mixed feelings. On the other hand, there is the prospect of potentially qualifying for the Champions League and his close relationship with Twente, the club close to his heart. Enschede perhaps lacks comparable financial and charisma. But Weghorst’s inner bond with the club close to his heart could make up for this