Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag addresses possible permanent deals for Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 March 2023

Ten Hag addresses possible permanent deals for Sabitzer, Weghorst

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that decisions on possible permanent moves for Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst this summer are yet to be made.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that it is "much too quick" to discuss the possibility of signing Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst on permanent deals this summer.

The duo arrived at Old Trafford on loan in January, with Sabitzer moving from Bayern Munich, and Weghorst ending his spell at Besiktas in order to complete a switch from Burnley.

As it stands, both players will return to their parent clubs this summer, but there has recently been speculation surrounding the possibility of permanent moves to Manchester.

Sabitzer has featured on five times for the Red Devils, while Weghorst has made 12 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists, with the Dutchman recently used in a number 10 role.

There are expected to be a number of outgoings at Old Trafford this summer, which has led to claims that Sabitzer and Weghorst could be signed to bolster the squad.

Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer pictured during the warm up before the match on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

However, Ten Hag, speaking during his press conference to preview Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round contest with West Ham United, admitted that it was 'too soon' to discuss signing the duo permanently.

"I think it is much too quick [to decide]. [It is] much too soon to talk about that. First, we are in this season and that is where the focus has to be," Ten Hag told reporters.

"No distractions for what is coming next season. Only the season we are in. We are in the right position at this moment, this is the position we want to be as we are now competing in three leagues [competitions]."

Sabitzer has a contract with Bayern until June 2025, but there have been claims that he could be available for around £16m during the summer market.

Manchester United's Wout Weghorst in action with Newcastle United's Joelinton on February 26, 2023 © Reuters

The Austria international's agent Roger Wittman recently told Sport1: "He loves the Premier League. At Man United, we see Marcel from RB Leipzig again. I am very happy for him. What's next in summer? We'll see when the time comes."

Meanwhile, Weghorst said last month that he was determined to earn a permanent switch to Old Trafford.

"Of course [I want to stay], but first I have to make sure I can be of value to the team and this club," the Netherlands international told Algemeen Dagblad.

Weghorst netted nine goals and four assists in 18 appearances for Besiktas in the first half of this season, while he has a record of two goals and three assists in 20 appearances for Burnley.

The experienced forward's contract at Turf Moor is due to run until June 2025, placing the Championship leaders in a strong position when it comes to any possible negotiations this summer.