Transfer Centre

Burnley's Wout Weghorst 'wants move to Galatasaray in January transfer window'

By Carter White | 05 November 2023

Burnley's Wout Weghorst reportedly wants to cut his loan spell at Hoffenheim short in order to join Galatasaray, amid interest from the Turkish Super Lig leaders.

Burnley's Wout Weghorst is reportedly prepared to end his temporary spell at Hoffenheim during January in order to join Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Surplus to requirements at Turf Moor, the 31-year-old was sent out on loan to the German side in the summer, on a mission to be a first-team regular in a top division.

Weghorst has endured a mixed start to life in the Bundesliga, however he did net his second goal of the league season on Saturday during a 3-2 home loss to Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen.

Since making the switch from Wolfsburg in January 2022, the Dutchman has featured only 20 times for the Clarets, making the net ripple on just two occasions.

According to Turkish outlet Star, Weghorst is unhappy at Hoffenheim in Germany and wants to secure a loan or permanent switch elsewhere in the January transfer window.

Hoffenheim's Wout Weghorst celebrates scoring their second goal with John Brooks on October 28, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that the striker wishes to return to the Turkish Super Lig, where he enjoyed a successful temporary spell with Besiktas during the first half of the 2022-23 term.

Weghorst netted nine goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for the Black Eagles as they battled for the league crown, before the 31-year-old returned to Turf Moor and was sent out to Manchester United for the remainder of the season.

It is understood that Galatasaray have been big admirers of Weghorst ever since his days at Besiktas, with Cimbom looking to secure the services of the player in January.

Despite sitting top of the Super Lig standings with their unbeaten status still in tact, Okan Buruk's men are targeting a low number of significant signings in the New Year.

It is believed that the 50-year-old boss has submitted his plans for the transfer window to the club's hierarchy, with Weghorst said to be a key target for the title chasers.

Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk before the match on October 24, 2023 © Reuters

A move to Rams Global Stadium could provide the forward an opportunity to play Champions League football in 2024, although Cimbom still have plenty of work to in Group A.

Buruk's side are currently second in their continental section after three matches, however Erik ten Hag's Red Devils are only one point behind in third.

Weghorst supposedly wishes to return to the Super Lig and the possibility of Champions League football has only strengthened his desire to leave Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim.

Burnley are continuing to plan for life without Weghorst while they battle to stay in the Premier League, with South Africa striker Lyle Foster recently signing a contract extension at Turf Moor.