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Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is being linked with an interesting swoop at Benfica.
After being appointed as Benfica manager earlier this season, Jose Mourinho is looking forward to his first summer transfer window.
According to Dutch outlet Het Parool, Mourinho is considering a move to sign former Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst.
Weghorst spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at United, playing a key role in winning the Carabao Cup.
The report states that Weghorst is out of contract at the end of this season and Benfica have taken steps to understand the player’s demands ahead of a possible summer move.
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Photo by ANP via Getty ImagesHow Wout Weghorst has been faring
Wout Weghorst spent the 2023/24 season back in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, before joining Ajax on a permanent basis in 2024.
His spell at Ajax has coincided with a downturn in form for the club. They finished second in the Eredivisie last season and are currently placed fifth in 2025/26.
Weghorst has been a fairly reliable contributor without setting especially high scoring numbers.
He scored 11 goals last season and has a further eight goals this time around, including a strike at the weekend against FC Twente.
Weghorst infamously only scored two goals in 31 appearances for Manchester United during his spell at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old remains part of the Netherlands international squad, preferred to Joshua Zirkzee. He appeared as a substitute in both their recent friendlies.
⚡NEWS IN BRIEFJose Mourinho wants to sign Wout Weghorst for BenficaDeal is at a very early stage, no talks yetWeghorst out of contract this summer
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How Jose Mourinho is getting on at Benfica
Jose Mourinho’s Benfica are currently in third place in the Portuguese league. They are seven points behind leaders Porto.
This is not where Benfica aspire to be, but the season has been one of consolidation for the club since Mourinho’s arrival.
Benfica were in fourth place when Roger Schmidt was fired a month into the season.
A big task awaits Mourinho this summer to turn their fortunes around, and Weghorst won’t be able to do it alone.
But on a free transfer, the veteran striker could have a useful role to play on a short-term deal.
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