Former Dutch international Wesley Sneijder has taken aim at Manchester United ’s expected move for Wout Weghorst by slamming the transfer as a “stunt” and “very strange”.
The Burnley forward is being eyed by the Red Devils as they aim to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window. A deal is slightly complicated by the fact that the former Wolfsburg star is currently in the midst of a loan with Turkish giants Besiktas which does not include a break clause.
Regardless, United are trying their hardest to get a deal done before the end of the window and would be willing to pay Besiktas compensation to take him to Old Trafford. Former Netherlands international Sneijder was asked about the transfer and was not left particularly convinced that it makes sense.
As per VP, the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid playmaker replied: “Surely not. I would find that very strange.
"I think they've seen the trick with the free kick [in the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina], so they don't fall for that in England anymore. In terms of a striker, is he really someone United are waiting for? I don't think so.
"They still have 300 of those [big strikers] in the Premier League. It must be a stunt. This really can't be true."
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Intriguingly, Sneijder also missed out on a move to Old Trafford during his playing career despite regularly being linked with the Red Devils. It remains to be seen when his compatriot Weghorst will officially become a United player but a deal does not seem imminent with Besiktas releasing a statement regarding the striker’s future.
"The claim that there is an exit clause in our football player’s contract, stating that his contract can be terminated with a compensation of 2.5 million Euros in case of an offer from the Premier League, is fictitious," it read.
"However, the news that the player in question will leave the team on Tuesday is completely untrue. The initiative regarding Wout Weghorst belongs entirely to Beşiktaş. If there is a development on this issue, the information will be shared.”
Weghorst has enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Turkish giants so far. He has made 18 appearances for the club so far, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.
The 30-year-old appeared to bid farewell to supporters in his latest outing. After scoring against Kasimpasa, the striker appeared to wave at fans, whilst he also tapped the club badge on his shirt.
He originally joined his parent club Burnley in a big-money switch last January and scored just two goals as the Clarets were relegated to the Championship.
