Wout Weghorst completes free transfer to boyhood club FC Twente until 2028
The 33-year-old Netherlands international, currently at the World Cup, returns to his Twente roots on a two-year deal after leaving Ajax.
Transfer terms
Wout Weghorst has signed for FC Twente on a free transfer, the club confirmed on Friday. The striker leaves Ajax and commits to a contract at De Grolsch Veste until mid-2028, a deal described by technical director Erik ten Hag as a "buitenkans" – a golden opportunity.
Emotional homecoming
Born in the Twente village of Borne, Weghorst had long harboured a dream of playing for the regional side. "This is a special transfer for me. I am very proud to wear the FC Twente shirt from next season," he said. As a young fan he celebrated cup wins in 2001 and 2011, and stood on the Oude Markt when the club lifted the league title in 2010. "Many football dreams have come true for me, but one remained... in this way the circle is complete."
Career path
Before this move Weghorst played for Ajax, having joined them in 2024 despite earlier interest from Twente. His CV also includes spells abroad at VfL Wolfsburg, Burnley, Beşiktaş, Manchester United and Hoffenheim, plus earlier Eredivisie stints with Willem II, FC Emmen, Heracles Almelo and AZ. A 52-times-capped international, he has scored 14 goals for the Netherlands and is currently in the squad for the World Cup in North America.
Ten Hag reunion
Erik ten Hag, who worked with Weghorst during their shared time at Manchester United, welcomed the signing. "We are enormously proud that Wout Weghorst is going to play for FC Twente. Who wouldn't be when a striker with more than fifty caps for Oranje comes to your club?" He praised the player's professionalism, willpower and ambition, adding: "Wout, as a boy from the region, really wants to achieve something beautiful with FC Twente."
Beating the competition
Multiple clubs from southern Europe had registered interest, including Real Betis, Celta de Vigo and Benfica, but Weghorst followed his heart by choosing a return to his roots. The decision also fills the gap left at Twente by the retirement of striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
