Burnley have already brought in four new faces this summer and could be about to add another in Espanyol winger Luca
Koleosho.
Burnley have bolstered a squad that ran away with the Championship title last season, but Vincent Kompany’s transfer
business does not appear to be over just yet.
Which players have left Burnley?
The Clarets collected 101 points from their 46 matches last season to ensure a swift return to the Premier League in
Kompany’s first season in charge.
Ashley Barnes has since swapped Turf Moor for Norwich City, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis has returned to parent club
Manchester City, with no sign of a return being on the cards.
Kompany has acted swiftly to plug the gaps, though, as defender Dara O’Shea, forward Zeki Amdouni, winger Nathan
Redmond and goalkeeper James Trafford have all arrived, while Michael Obafemi and Jordan Beyer have turned their loan
moves into permanent acquisitions.
Another winger could now be on their way to the newly-promoted side, as BBC Sport reports that Burnley are in advanced
talks with Espanyol to sign Luca Koleosho, who is valued in the region of £2.6m.
Who is Espanyol winger Luca Koleosho?
Koleosho made just four appearances for Espanyol in La Liga last season, each of those coming from the substitutes’ bench
as he totalled just 54 minutes on the field, as per Soccerway.
The 18-year-old scored once for Espanyol, who finished 19th and were subsequently relegated to the Segunda Division,
meaning they may have to cash in on some players – Koleosho among them.
United States-born Koleosho put that disappointment behind him by featuring five times for Italy in their successful U19
European Championship triumph last week.
While still relatively unknown and untested, Koleosho has shown he is capable of finding the net at the highest level, scoring
as he did in Espanyol’s 3-3 draw with Almeria on the final day of last season.
Koleosho can play through the middle, on the left or indeed on the right, with the latter where he has featured most
regularly. The youngster registered 4.29 crosses per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, albeit over a small sample size.
To put that into some perspective, only Johann Berg Gudmundsson (5.37), Manuel Benson (6.51) and Anass Zaroury
(6.74) averaged more for Burnley in the Championship last season.
Koleosho was also successful with 5.71 take-ons per 90 last season, compared to 2.17 for Burnley’s best-performing regular
first-teamer in Benson, though the latter did play substantially more minutes.
Still, it gives a good indication of what Koleosho is all about, and it could be particularly good news for new recruit Amdouni.
The Switzerland international was joint-top scorer in the Europa Conference League with seven goals last season.
Amdouni has work to do if he is to become Kompany’s first choice up top, of course, but he could form a strong partnership
with Koleosho, who has previously been hailed as “relentless” by his mother Melissa Vallera-Koleosho in an interview with
The Athletic.
With that type of fighting spirit, and an ability to make an impact at the highest level at a young age, Burnley may be about
to add another gem to a squad that looks more than capable of avoiding an instant relegation.
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It appears that Burnley, the Lancashire club, are poised to continue its impressive summer transfer spree, as the club is
reportedly in advanced talks to sign Luca Koleosho, the youthful Italy international winger, from Espanyol. The news was
brought to light by BBC Sport, who reported that the promising 18-year-old could soon be part of manager Vincent
Kompany’s revitalised side.
A Glimpse into Koleosho’s Brief but Bright Career
Koleosho, though still in the early stages of his career, has already marked his spot in La Liga. Last season, he graced the
pitch in four substitute appearances, making his mark with a memorable goal. However, despite his efforts, Espanyol could
not evade relegation, finishing 19th in the league.
Born in the United States but demonstrating loyalty to the Azzurri, Koleosho recently represented Italy in the Under-19
European Championship, culminating in their triumphant victory. This invaluable international experience, though brief,
may give him the edge in Kompany’s squad.
Strengthening the Clarets’ Ranks
Should the deal materialise, Koleosho would join the ranks as Burnley’s eighth summer signing, with a rumoured price tag of
£2.6 million. This move highlights the club’s strategy of infusing youth and vitality into their squad.
In a week brimming with activity, the Clarets have already secured the services of Nathan Redmond on a free transfer, added
England Under-21 goalkeeper James Trafford from reigning champions Manchester City, and signed Switzerland forward
Zeki Amdouni from Basel.
Further bolstering the squad, Kompany, the former Manchester City captain turned manager, has roped in defender Dara
O’Shea and goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. The club has also made the loan arrangements for Jordan Beyer and Michael
Obafemi permanent, cementing their place in Burnley’s ranks.
The potential addition of Koleosho will provide a fresh injection of youthful energy and skill into the team. His transition
from La Liga to the Premier League will be a challenge, but it is one that both Koleosho and Burnley seem ready to embrace.