Jensen Weir

English-Scottish footballer

Jensen Weir
Personal information
Full name Jensen Guy Weir[1]
Date of birth (2002-01-31) 31 January 2002 (age 22)[2]
Place of birth Warrington, England[3]
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.86 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Brighton & Hove Albion
Youth career
2010–2017 Wigan Athletic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2020 Wigan Athletic 1 (0)
2020– Brighton & Hove Albion 0 (0)
2021–2022 → Cambridge United (loan) 15 (1)
2022–2023 → Morecambe (loan) 43 (10)
2023–2024 → Blackpool (loan) 10 (0)
2024 → Port Vale (loan) 17 (1)
International career
2017–2018 Scotland U16 9 (9)
2018 Scotland U17 1 (0)
2018–2019 England U17 9 (0)
2019–2020 England U18 9 (0)
2021 England U20 2 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13:28, 27 April 2024 (UTC)

Jensen Guy Weir (born 31 January 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Weir began his career at Wigan Athletic, becoming the club's youngest ever player upon making his debut in November 2017. He was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of £500,000 in July 2020. He was loaned out to Cambridge United for the 2021–22 season, though he missed the second half of the campaign with a knee injury. He spent the 2022–23 season on loan at Morecambe and was loaned to Blackpool and Port Vale in the 2023–24 season.

His father, David, represented Scotland at international level. Weir initially represented Scotland at under-16 and under-17 levels, before he switched to play for England – the country of his birth, representing them at under-17, under-18 and under-20 levels.

Early and personal life

Born in Warrington,[4] his father is former Scotland international footballer David Weir.[5] His brother, Lucas, played semi-professional football for 1874 Northwich.[6] His sister, Kenzie, played for Everton women.[7]

Club career

Wigan Athletic

Weir joined Wigan Athletic at the age of eight.[8] He made his senior debut at the DW Stadium on 7 November 2017, in an EFL Trophy game against Accrington Stanley,[9] becoming the club's youngest ever player, at the age of 15 years and 280 days.[5] He made his league debut in a Championship game at Birmingham City on 27 April 2019, coming on as a second half substitute for Nick Powell.[10][11] He turned professional at the club three months later.[12] Upon Weir's departure from Wigan, Academy manager Gregor Rioch said that his sale would guarantee the immediate future of the club amidst administration and that he would also be a role model for other youth-team players to follow.[13][14][15] First-team manager Paul Cook resigned less than a week after Weir was sold.[16]

Brighton & Hove Albion

On 23 July 2020, Weir was sold to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for £500,000 plus add-ons in order to help alleviate Wigan's financial problems;[17] he signed a three-year deal with Brighton.[18] His father was working as the club's loan player manager at the time.[19] He played alongside player-coach Andrew Crofts for the under-23 team, who was impressed by his ability and work ethic.[20] Head coach Graham Potter named him in a matchday squad for the first time for the senior side on 3 February 2021, though he remained an unused substitute in a 1–0 win at Liverpool.[21] He scored four goals in 18 Professional Development League games for Simon Rusk's under-23 team in the 2020–21 season, including a brace against Manchester United.[22]

Cambridge United (loan)

On 13 July 2021, Weir joined newly-promoted League One side Cambridge United on a season-long loan deal.[23][24] Mark Bonner played him alongside defensive anchor Paul Digby, with Weir and Wes Hoolahan expected to provide creativity going forward.[25] Weir made his debut at the Abbey Stadium on 10 August, starting in the EFL Cup first round tie with Swindon Town where Cambridge won 3–1 on penalties after a goalless draw in the 90 minutes of play.[26] Four days later, he made his league debut for the U's, starting and playing 61 minutes before being replaced by Adam May in a 2–1 defeat at Accrington Stanley.[27] He went on to be moved further forward to play behind the striker in United's 4–2–3–1 formation, gaining more attacking freedom.[28] Weir scored his first senior goal on 30 October, scoring the only goal of the game in a 1–0 home victory over AFC Wimbledon.[29][30] Weir made his final appearance for the U's on 18 December, in a 1–0 home loss against Rotherham, as a knee injury kept him on the sidelines for the rest of the 2021–22 season.[31][32]

Morecambe (loan)

On 25 July 2022, Weir returned to League One on a season-long loan deal to Morecambe.[33] He was sent off after picking up two yellow cards on his Shrimps home debut and second appearance in the eventual penalty shoot-out win over Stoke City of the Championship in the EFL Cup on 9 August.[34] He was nominated for the League One Goal of the Month for a long-range strike against Bristol Rovers in September.[35] He enjoyed an excellent season at the Mazuma Stadium, leaving manager Derek Adams to fend off speculation of him being recalled to Brighton early from his loan.[36] Weir scored 11 goals in 51 appearances, though Morecambe were relegated after finishing two points from safety.[37]

Blackpool (loan)

On 11 August 2023, Weir again returned to League One, joining recently-relegated Blackpool on a season-long loan.[38][39] Weir was praised by Blackpool boss Neil Critchley.[40] He found gametime limited, however, in his sixteen appearances for the club – providing three assists, starting just four league games, and was recalled from his loan on 1 January 2024.[41][42][43]

Port Vale (loan)

On 9 January 2024, Weir was loaned out to League One side Port Vale for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.[44] David Flitcroft, the club's director of football, stated that he had attempted to sign Weir in the summer but that he would now provide midfield options following the departure of loanee Ollie Arblaster and injuries to Funso Ojo and Ben Garrity.[45]

International career

Weir has played for Scotland at under-16 and under-17 level,[46] captaining the under-16 team.[5] In October 2018 he was called up by England under-17s,[47][48] and made his debut during the 3–0 victory over Russia.[49] In April 2019, Weir was included in the England squad for the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.[50] He made his under-18 debut in a 3–2 victory over Australia at Leicester Road on 6 September 2019.[51] On 6 September 2021, Weir made a goalscoring debut for the England under-20s during a 6–1 victory over Romania at St. George's Park.[52]

Style of play

Weir is a right-footed attacking midfielder with pace and creativity.[8] He also has an excellent temperament and his capacity to learn gives him the ability to play in a variety of different roles.[16][25]

Career statistics

As of match played 27 April 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season Division League FA Cup EFL Cup Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Wigan Athletic 2017–18[9] League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 1 0
2018–19[10] Championship 1 0 0 0 1 0 — 2 0
2019–20[53] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
Total 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 4 0
Brighton & Hove Albion U21 2020–21 — — — 3[a] 0 3 0
Brighton & Hove Albion 2020–21[54] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2021–22[55] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2022–23[37] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2023–24[56] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cambridge United (loan) 2021–22[55] League One 15 1 3 0 2 0 4[a] 0 24 1
Morecambe (loan) 2022–23[37] League One 43 10 1 0 3 0 4[a] 1 51 11
Blackpool (loan) 2023–24[56] League One 10 0 1 0 1 0 4[a] 0 16 0
Port Vale (loan) 2023–24[56] League One 17 1 0 0 0 0 — 17 1
Career total 86 12 5 0 8 0 16 1 115 13
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearances in the EFL Trophy

See also

References

  1. ^ "Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2019" (PDF). English Football League. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Jensen Weir". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  3. ^ a b Jensen Weir at Soccerway
  4. ^ Jensen Weir at Soccerway. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  5. ^ a b c Gunn, David (8 November 2017). "David Weir's son becomes youngest player in Wigan Athletic history". The Scotsman. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  6. ^ Owen, Jack (20 July 2023). "Lucas Weir returns to 1874". 1874 Northwich F.C. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  7. ^ Ronney, David (31 January 2022). "Kenzie Weir Follows Father's Footsteps With Everton Debut". Everton F.C. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  8. ^ a b Yaffe, Simon (23 July 2020). "Everything you need to know about Brighton's latest signing Jensen Weir". Sussex Live. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  11. ^ "Birmingham City 1–1 Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. 27 April 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  12. ^ "Jensen Weir Signs Professional Contract With Wigan Athletic". Wigan Athletic FC. 8 July 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Wigan say Jensen Weir sale to Brighton 'a vital moment' in their survival fight". Greenock Telegraph. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  14. ^ Gardner, Jamie (23 July 2020). "Wigan confirm sale of Jensen Weir to Brighton to ensure staff will be paid in full for June". The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  15. ^ Kendrick, Paul (23 July 2020). "Wigan Athletic starlet sale is a 'vital moment towards the club's survival'". Wigan Today. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  16. ^ a b Naylor, Andy (3 September 2020). "Brighton's breakthrough star – Jensen Weir". The Athletic. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  17. ^ Stone, Simon (10 July 2020). "Weir sale to help Wigan pay wages". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  18. ^ Talbot, Bruce (23 July 2020). "Weir completes Albion move". www.brightonandhovealbion.com. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  19. ^ Howard, Darren (23 July 2020). "'Exciting talent' Brighton sign Championship midfielder on a three-year contract". Sussex World. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  20. ^ Hanson, Charlie (23 October 2020). "Weir loving life with Albion". www.brightonandhovealbion.com. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  21. ^ Bysouth, Alex (3 February 2021). "Brighton shock Liverpool at Anfield". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  22. ^ Stenning, Adam (13 July 2021). "Albion prospect heads out on loan". The Argus. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Jensen Weir joins on Loan". www.cambridge-united.co.uk. 13 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  24. ^ "Cambridge sign Brighton's Weir on loan". BBC Sport. 13 July 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  25. ^ a b Jones, Alex (16 July 2021). "Analysing Jensen Weir: The Cambridge United loanee looking to follow in his father's footsteps". Prost International [PINT]. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  26. ^ "Cambridge United 0–0 Swindon Town (Cambridge win 3–1 on pens) – BBC Sport". BBC Sport. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  27. ^ "Accrington Stanley 2–1 Cambridge United – BBC Sport". BBC Sport. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  28. ^ Baggaley, Mike (11 January 2024). "Port Vale transfer and injury update ahead of Reading". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  29. ^ "Cambridge United 1–0 AFC Wimbledon – BBC Sport". BBC Sport. 30 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  30. ^ Page, Stephen (30 October 2021). "Weir scores first senior goal in win over AFC Wimbledon". CambridgeshireLive. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  31. ^ Page, Stephen (24 March 2022). "Cambridge United loanee Weir considered 'very unlikely' to return from Brighton & Hove this season". CambridgeshireLive. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  32. ^ "Cambridge United 0-1 Rotherham United - BBC Sport". BBC Sport. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  33. ^ "Jensen Weir: Morecambe sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder on season-long loan". BBC Sport. 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Morecambe 0-0 Stoke City (5-3 on pens): Shrimps shock Championship Potters". BBC Sport. 9 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  35. ^ "Weir nominated for September's Sky Bet League One Goal of the Month". www.morecambefc.com. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  36. ^ Mills, Richard (26 January 2023). "Brighton's Jensen Weir to finish Morecambe loan despite 'interest' elsewhere". Sussex Live. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  37. ^ a b c "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  38. ^ "Jensen Weir Signs On Loan". Blackpool F.C. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  39. ^ "Blackpool sign Brighton's Weir on season-long loan". BBC Sport. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  40. ^ Owen, Brian (2 January 2024). "Albion prospect tipped for 'a very good career' as loan stint is cut short". The Argus. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  41. ^ "Brighton: Jensen Weir recalled from Blackpool loan spell". BBC Sport. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  42. ^ "Jensen Weir joins Port Vale on loan". www.brightonandhovealbion.com. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  43. ^ Joens, Jordan (9 January 2024). "Former Blackpool midfielder transfers to League One rivals after Brighton recall". Blackpool Gazette. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  44. ^ "Vale sign Brighton midfielder Weir on loan". BBC Sport. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  45. ^ "Jensen Weir is a Valiant". Port Vale F.C. 9 January 2024. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  46. ^ Jensen Weir at the Scottish Football Association
  47. ^ "International News: Three Called Up for England Duty, Whilst Luke Robinson Is Added to the Scotland Squad". Wigan Athletic F.C. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  48. ^ Adam Bate (31 October 2018). "Jensen Weir and Joe Gelhardt highlight the quality of Wigan Athletic's academy". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  49. ^ "Joseph Gelhardt Hits Brace as England U17S Beat Russia in Shrewsbury". The Football Association. 14 October 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  50. ^ "Young Lions squad head for UEFA U17 Euro Finals in the Republic of Ireland this month". The Football Association. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  51. ^ "Alex Mighten Blasts Hat-Trick to Fire England U18S to Victory Over Australia". The Football Association. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
  52. ^ Veevers, Nicholas (6 September 2021). "England MU20s beat Romania by 6-1 at St. George's Park in their 2021-22 season opener". englandfootball.com. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  53. ^ "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  54. ^ "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  55. ^ a b "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  56. ^ a b c "Games played by Jensen Weir in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 August 2023.