Weimann has left Derby County to join Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.
On the one hand, Andreas Weimann’s loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers makes sense for Derby County.
The Austrian has started just once for the Rams this season, and having his wages at least partly covered by Wolves should give the Pride Park books a healthier feel.
Besides, if things go to plan, it’s a decision which will likely benefit them in future – either Weimann returns refreshed and ready for next season, or Wolves like what they see and buy him outright.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
And, with Wolves all the way down in 16th place, there’s very little risk from a Derby point of view… in theory.
The Rams may be seventh in the table, but their hold over their rivals from the other side of the Midlands has shortened to eight points in recent weeks, with Wolves having seemingly turned a corner under new boss Paul Lambert.
Derby know all too well what impact a new manager can have, with Steve McClaren enjoying an extended honeymoon period after re-acquiring the reins in October, and Lambert’s, you feel, is only just getting started.
The Scot himself continues to harbour hopes of a play-off finish for his side, whose goalscoring impotence has proved their primary downfall this season.
With Weimann on board, though – a player whose career-best goals haul (12) came under Lambert at a then Premier League Aston Villa – the intention is for that to change fast.
Paul Lambert (left) and Andreas Weimann have reunited at Wolves
If the Rams can replicate their early form under McClaren (30 points from 15 matches) they needn’t worry about too many sides below them.
This is, however, Derby we’re talking about – a team that typically slumps post-Christmas.
One wonders if they’ve thought this one through.
Will Weimann return to his best under Lambert?
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