Mehdi Taremi could offer Manchester United what Erik ten Hag wanted from Wout Weghorst
When Manchester United signed Wout Weghorst there was logic but a lack of quality.
The striker was a way to end the transfer but ultimately failed. The Dutchman failed to score in any Premier League games and is now back at Burnley.
The prospect at Old Trafford was the summer signing of a big name and a big striker. A Harry Kane, a Victor Osimhen.
But with £60million donated to Mason Mount and a new goalkeeper needed, United and Erik Ten Hag are in the same boat as in January.
They need a centre-forward but don’t have the money to buy a bonus. Weghorst 2.0 is required. And in Mehdi Taremi, United have a player who can live up to Weghorst’s expectations.
The Porto striker has been a target for Everton and Newcastle United and is open to a move to the Premier League. He may not be a big name, but he has an impressive number of goals in Portugal and excelled in the World Cup for Iran.
Indeed, he scored twice against England and scored better than a goal in every other game of his entire career.
Since joining Porto, he has shined at home and in Europe, with a stunning bicycle kick against Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League quarter-finals.
He certainly knows where the net is and his profile would suit United as a goalscorer, but also as a centre-forward capable of putting others into play.
His contract expires next summer and while at 30 he is not a long-term solution, he is a more than capable signing who could thrive in England and for United.
Taremi could be the player Ten Hag was hoping for for Weghorst. And for a reduced asking price of £17m, it may be money well spent.
