Ten Hag defends Weghorst: ‘Twente signing is exactly what we need’

Erik ten Hag has praised FC Twente’s signing of Wout Weghorst, calling the striker’s arrival in Enschede ‘perfect’. The technical director highlighted the Oranje international’s suitability for the club, which lies in his home region. Weghorst will join Twente for the next two seasons, departing from Ajax. The transfer has sparked mixed reactions among the club’s supporters. Ten Hag addressed the scepticism in an interview with TC/Tubantia, defending the player’s character and professionalism. “There are plenty of players with quirks. Everyone had an opinion about Dušan Tadić, but look at what he has achieved,” Ten Hag said. “No, he is not difficult in the dressing room at all. He brings everyone along, he is top fit and a leader who sets the standard.”

Weghorst leaves Ajax for Twente after two years in Amsterdam

Ten Hag acknowledged Weghorst’s intensity on the pitch, describing it as both an asset and a occasional liability. “He brings emotion to the game and sometimes goes too far, yes. But that also adds something extra. These are players who keep going when others stop. And that is what Twente needs.” The technical director clarified the timeline of Weghorst’s move, stating that the player had not rejected Twente two seasons ago to join Ajax. “For the avoidance of doubt: Twente pulled the plug on negotiations at the time, not Wout. Wout was under contract at Burnley, and that club held the key. It was financially unfeasible, leaving him with no choice between Twente and Ajax.”

Weghorst’s arrival pushes Lammers out, Twente targets PSV’s Uneken

Weghorst’s arrival reshapes the attacking options at Twente, where Sam Lammers was the first-choice striker last season. Ten Hag framed the competition as healthy for a club aiming to grow. “We want to be a big club and at a big club, internal competition is part of it. You need different weapons in a squad. Everyone will be needed this season. Wout fits Twente perfectly. The Twente fans are passionate, and so is Wout.”