Jensen Weir Explained

Jensen Weir
Fullname:Jensen Guy Weir[1]
Birth Date:31 January 2002[2]
Birth Place:Warrington, England
Height:1.86m (06.1feet)
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Brighton & Hove Albion
Clubnumber:37
Youthyears1:2010–2017
Youthclubs1:Wigan Athletic
Years1:2017–2020
Clubs1:Wigan Athletic
Caps1:1
Goals1:0
Years2:2020–
Clubs2:Brighton & Hove Albion
Caps2:0
Goals2:0
Years3:2021–2022
Clubs3:Cambridge United (loan)
Caps3:15
Goals3:1
Years4:2022–2023
Clubs4:Morecambe (loan)
Caps4:43
Goals4:10
Years5:2023–2024
Clubs5:Blackpool (loan)
Caps5:10
Goals5:0
Years6:2024
Clubs6:Port Vale (loan)
Caps6:17
Goals6:1
Nationalyears1:2017–2018
Nationalteam1:Scotland U16
Nationalcaps1:9
Nationalgoals1:9
Nationalyears2:2018
Nationalteam2:Scotland U17
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2018–2019
Nationalteam3:England U17
Nationalcaps3:9
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2019–2020
Nationalteam4:England U18
Nationalcaps4:9
Nationalgoals4:0
Nationalyears5:2021
Nationalteam5:England U20
Nationalcaps5:2
Nationalgoals5:1
Club-Update:13:28, 27 April 2024 (UTC)

Jensen Guy Weir (born 31 January 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for 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, his father is former Scotland international footballer David Weir. His brother, Lucas, played semi-professional football for 1874 Northwich.[3] His sister, Kenzie, played for Everton women.[4]

Club career

Wigan Athletic

Weir joined Wigan Athletic aged eight.[5] He made his senior debut at the DW Stadium on 7 November 2017, in an EFL Trophy game against Accrington Stanley, becoming the club's youngest ever player, at the age of 15 years and 280 days.[6] 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.[7] He turned professional at the club three months later.[8] 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.[9] [10] [11] First-team manager Paul Cook resigned less than a week after Weir was sold.[12]

Brighton & Hove Albion

On 23 July 2020, Weir was sold to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for £500,000 plus add-ons to help alleviate Wigan's financial problems;[13] he signed a three-year deal with Brighton.[14] His father was working as the club's loan player manager at the time.[15] He played alongside player-coach Andrew Crofts for the under-23 team, who was impressed by his ability and work ethic.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18]

Cambridge United (loan)

On 13 July 2021, Weir joined newly-promoted League One side Cambridge United on a season-long loan deal.[19] [20] Mark Bonner played him alongside defensive anchor Paul Digby, with Weir and Wes Hoolahan expected to provide creativity going forward. 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.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23] 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.[24] [25] 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.[26] [27]

Morecambe (loan)

On 25 July 2022, Weir returned to League One on a season-long loan deal to Morecambe.[28] 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.[29] He was nominated for the League One Goal of the Month for a long-range strike against Bristol Rovers in September.[30] 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.[31] Weir scored 11 goals in 51 appearances, though Morecambe were relegated after finishing two points from safety.

Blackpool (loan)

On 11 August 2023, Weir returned to League One again, joining recently-relegated Blackpool on a season-long loan.[32] [33] Weir was praised by Blackpool boss Neil Critchley.[34] He found game time 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.[35] [36] [37]

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.[38] 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.[39] He mainly featured from the substitute bench under new manager Darren Moore.[40]

International career

Weir has played for Scotland at under-16 and under-17 level, captaining the under-16 team.[6] In October 2018 he was called up by England under-17s,[41] [42] and made his debut during the 3–0 victory over Russia.[43] In April 2019, Weir was included in the England squad for the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.[44] He made his under-18 debut in a 3–2 victory over Australia at Leicester Road on 6 September 2019.[45] 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.[46]

Style of play

Weir is a right-footed attacking midfielder with pace and creativity.[5] He also has an excellent temperament, and his learning capacity allows him to play various roles.[12] [47]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonDivisionLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotal
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Wigan Athletic2017–18League One0000001010
2018–19Championship10001020
2019–20Championship00001010
Total1000201040
Brighton & Hove Albion U212020–213030
Brighton & Hove Albion2020–21Premier League00000000
2021–22Premier League00000000
2022–23Premier League00000000
2023–24Premier League0000000000
2024–25Premier League00000000
Total0000000000
Cambridge United (loan)2021–22League One151302040241
Morecambe (loan)2022–23League One43101030415111
Blackpool (loan)2023–24League One100101040160
Port Vale (loan)2023–24League One1710000171
Career total8612508016111513

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Club list of registered players: As at 19th May 2019 . English Football League . 1 August 2019.
  2. Web site: Jensen Weir . 11v11.com . AFS Enterprises . 3 November 2021.
  3. Web site: Owen . Jack . 2023-07-20 . Lucas Weir returns to 1874 . 2023-07-20 . 1874 Northwich F.C. . en-GB.
  4. Web site: 31 January 2022 . Kenzie Weir Follows Father's Footsteps With Everton Debut . Ronney . David . 2 August 2022 . Everton F.C..
  5. News: Yaffe . Simon . Everything you need to know about Brighton's latest signing Jensen Weir . 9 January 2024 . Sussex Live . 23 July 2020 . en.
  6. News: Gunn . David . David Weir's son becomes youngest player in Wigan Athletic history . 9 January 2024 . The Scotsman . 8 November 2017.
  7. News: Birmingham City 1–1 Wigan Athletic . 17 July 2020 . BBC Sport . 27 April 2019.
  8. News: Jensen Weir Signs Professional Contract With Wigan Athletic . 9 January 2024 . Wigan Athletic FC . 8 July 2019.
  9. News: Wigan say Jensen Weir sale to Brighton 'a vital moment' in their survival fight . 9 January 2024 . Greenock Telegraph . 23 July 2020 . en.
  10. News: Gardner . Jamie . Wigan confirm sale of Jensen Weir to Brighton to ensure staff will be paid in full for June . 9 January 2024 . The Telegraph . 23 July 2020.
  11. News: Kendrick . Paul . Wigan Athletic starlet sale is a 'vital moment towards the club's survival' . 9 January 2024 . Wigan Today . 23 July 2020.
  12. News: Naylor . Andy . Brighton's breakthrough star – Jensen Weir . 10 January 2024 . The Athletic . 3 September 2020 . en.
  13. News: Stone . Simon . Weir sale to help Wigan pay wages . 9 January 2024 . BBC Sport . 10 July 2020.
  14. News: Talbot . Bruce . Weir completes Albion move . 9 January 2024 . www.brightonandhovealbion.com . 23 July 2020 . en.
  15. News: Howard . Darren . 'Exciting talent' Brighton sign Championship midfielder on a three-year contract . 9 January 2024 . Sussex World . 23 July 2020.
  16. News: Hanson . Charlie . Weir loving life with Albion . 10 January 2024 . www.brightonandhovealbion.com . 23 October 2020 . en.
  17. News: Bysouth . Alex . Brighton shock Liverpool at Anfield . 9 January 2024 . BBC Sport . 3 February 2021.
  18. News: Stenning . Adam . Albion prospect heads out on loan . 10 January 2024 . The Argus . 13 July 2021 . en.
  19. Web site: Jensen Weir joins on Loan . www.cambridge-united.co.uk . 13 July 2021 . 13 July 2021.
  20. Web site: Cambridge sign Brighton's Weir on loan . BBC Sport . 13 July 2021 . 10 August 2021.
  21. Web site: Cambridge United 0–0 Swindon Town (Cambridge win 3–1 on pens) – BBC Sport . BBC Sport . 10 August 2021 . 10 August 2021.
  22. Web site: Accrington Stanley 2–1 Cambridge United – BBC Sport . BBC Sport . 14 August 2021 . 14 August 2021.
  23. News: Baggaley . Mike . Port Vale transfer and injury update ahead of Reading . 12 January 2024 . Valiant's Substack . 11 January 2024.
  24. Web site: Cambridge United 1–0 AFC Wimbledon – BBC Sport . BBC Sport . 30 October 2021 . 30 October 2021.
  25. Web site: Weir scores first senior goal in win over AFC Wimbledon . Stephen . Page . 30 October 2021 . 5 May 2022 . CambridgeshireLive.
  26. Web site: Cambridge United loanee Weir considered 'very unlikely' to return from Brighton & Hove this season . Stephen . Page . 24 March 2022 . 5 May 2022 . CambridgeshireLive.
  27. Web site: Cambridge United 0-1 Rotherham United - BBC Sport . 18 December 2021 . 5 May 2022 . BBC Sport.
  28. News: 25 July 2022 . Jensen Weir: Morecambe sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder on season-long loan . BBC Sport . 25 July 2022.
  29. News: Morecambe 0-0 Stoke City (5-3 on pens): Shrimps shock Championship Potters . BBC Sport . 9 August 2022 . 10 August 2022.
  30. News: Weir nominated for September's Sky Bet League One Goal of the Month . 10 January 2024 . www.morecambefc.com . 14 October 2022 . en-gb.
  31. News: Mills . Richard . Brighton's Jensen Weir to finish Morecambe loan despite 'interest' elsewhere . 10 January 2024 . Sussex Live . 26 January 2023 . en.
  32. News: Jensen Weir Signs On Loan . 9 January 2024 . Blackpool F.C. . 11 August 2023.
  33. News: Blackpool sign Brighton's Weir on season-long loan . 9 January 2024 . BBC Sport . 11 August 2023.
  34. News: Owen . Brian . Albion prospect tipped for 'a very good career' as loan stint is cut short . 9 January 2024 . The Argus . 2 January 2024 . en.
  35. News: Brighton: Jensen Weir recalled from Blackpool loan spell . 9 January 2024 . BBC Sport . 2 January 2024.
  36. News: Jensen Weir joins Port Vale on loan . 10 January 2024 . www.brightonandhovealbion.com . 9 January 2024 . en.
  37. News: Joens . Jordan . Former Blackpool midfielder transfers to League One rivals after Brighton recall . 10 January 2024 . Blackpool Gazette . 9 January 2024.
  38. News: Vale sign Brighton midfielder Weir on loan . 9 January 2024 . BBC Sport . 9 January 2024.
  39. News: Jensen Weir is a Valiant . 9 January 2024 . Port Vale F.C. . 9 January 2024 . en-gb.
  40. News: Baggaley . Mike . Rating the squad, the retained list and looking ahead . 29 April 2024 . Valiant's Substack . 29 April 2024.
  41. Web site: International News: Three Called Up for England Duty, Whilst Luke Robinson Is Added to the Scotland Squad . 5 October 2018 . 7 November 2018 . Wigan Athletic F.C..
  42. Web site: Jensen Weir and Joe Gelhardt highlight the quality of Wigan Athletic's academy . 31 October 2018 . 7 November 2018 . Adam Bate . Sky Sports.
  43. Web site: Joseph Gelhardt Hits Brace as England U17S Beat Russia in Shrewsbury . 14 October 2018 . 21 March 2019 . The Football Association.
  44. Web site: Young Lions squad head for UEFA U17 Euro Finals in the Republic of Ireland this month . 2 April 2019 . 2 April 2019 . The Football Association.
  45. Web site: Alex Mighten Blasts Hat-Trick to Fire England U18S to Victory Over Australia . 6 September 2019 . 7 September 2019 . The Football Association.
  46. News: Veevers . Nicholas . England MU20s beat Romania by 6-1 at St. George's Park in their 2021-22 season opener . 9 January 2024 . englandfootball.com . 6 September 2021 . en.
  47. Web site: Jones . Alex . Analysing Jensen Weir: The Cambridge United loanee looking to follow in his father's footsteps . Prost International [PINT] . 10 January 2024 . 16 July 2021.