Verbeek rips into Weghorst: 'He’s a made-up personality'

The training ground at FC Twente was quiet when Gertjan Verbeek made his position clear. The head coach did not mince his words about Wout Weghorst’s arrival at the club.

Verbeek questioned the striker’s sporting contribution, stating he sees no added value in signing Weghorst. The coach also criticised the off-field presentation of the transfer. His comments came shortly after Weghorst was unveiled as FC Twente’s new signing on 27 June.

Speaking to RTV Oost, Verbeek said: “I see no added value in bringing in Wout Weghorst.” He added that his experience at Ajax showed the striker’s best days are behind him. “I was very clear about that at Ajax.”

Verbeek also cast doubt on Weghorst’s role at the club. He suggested the striker may struggle to accept a supporting position behind centre-forward Joshua Lammers. “I wonder if he can accept that role if he ends up behind Lammers.”

The coach criticised Weghorst’s public persona, calling it artificial. “You see straight through the ‘the circle is complete’ story. Two years ago he could have come here and chose Ajax instead. Now it’s all about how he always sat in the stands here. He’s a big showman. He’s a made-up personality.”

Verbeek’s remarks highlight tensions between sporting decisions and off-field narratives. They also reflect concerns over squad harmony and player roles.

The comments follow FC Twente’s announcement of Weghorst’s arrival, which included a carefully staged presentation. Verbeek’s blunt assessment signals potential friction ahead.