Striker Wout Weghorst has completed a transfer-free move from Ajax to FC Twente, signing a two-year contract that ties him to the Enschede-based club until 2028.
The 33-year-old forward returns to his home region after scoring 20 goals and providing six assists in 65 official matches over his two-season tenure with Ajax.
Former journalist Gijs Eijsink recalled predicting the transfer in December 2025, noting that Weghorst's determination remains a defining trait despite mixed public reactions regarding his behavior.
"It is there after all come from. Wout Weghorst becomes player of FC Twente.
In December 2025 I philosophized on this place already about his possible return to the region of his roots.
At Ajax he was almost finished and the FC could use him well, also because Ricky van Wolfswinkel was on his way to the finish," said Eijsink.
Public skepticism at the time included harsh remarks questioning the forward's suitability for the squad.
Commenters such as Dick Soepenberg, Harrie Waanders, and Johan Winkelhorst made critical statements about Weghorst's character and potential fit.
Eijsink defended the player's professional drive, acknowledging that while his playstyle differs from world-class technical players, his determination remains distinct.
He noted that multiple commentators, comedians, and international players like Messi have previously commented on Weghorst's unique attitude.
"He behaves sometimes strangely, responds curiously when there is a camera nearby. Every now and then his emotions run away with him.
In the corona time he was a wappie.
Every comedian mentions the name Wout Weghorst, columnists describe his behavior, podcast makers discuss his doings and goings.
Messi called him a fool.
Fine, but Wout is especially a sportsman who has intended to succeed as a professional football player, despite the fact that his motor skills, his technique, his ball feeling in the furthest distance do not look like the skills of Messi or Mbappé, Frenkie, Kane," said Eijsink.
Mixed Reactions from Former Managers
Former manager Gertjan Verbeek voiced strong criticism regarding the signing, questioning the striker's current sporting value and attitude.
"I don't see the added value of picking up Wout Weghorst," said Verbeek. "I clearly saw at Ajax that the wear is on it."
Verbeek expressed doubt over whether the forward would willingly accept a backup role behind existing options like Lammers.
"I wonder if he is able to accept his role if he comes behind Lammers.
If Lammers leaves and Weghorst comes at the point of the attack, then I think they hand in quality.
Then they go backward at FC Twente," he added.
The former coach dismissed the sentimental statements made during the contract signing event as performative. "There you pierce right through with 'the circle is round'.
Two years ago he could also come and then he chose Ajax anyway.
Then he said that he always slept in an Ajax pajama and now the story is that he always stood here on the stands.
He is a big show-off. He is a manufactured personality," stated Verbeek.
Reflecting on his time in Amsterdam, Weghorst expressed mixed feelings about leaving the club without securing a league trophy.
"That I had as a small boy never expected. There had that championship shield by had to," he said.
Ajax is scheduled to begin its pre-season exhibition matches against Panathinaikos on July 4, 2026, in Ermelo.
