Birmingham City favourite Nathan Redmond has spent the last year in Turkey, but he’s set to return to England this
summer
Birmingham City academy product Nathan Redmond is on his way back to England – and to the Premier League – after
leaving Turkish side Besiktas at the end of his contract. Winger Redmond, who came through Blues’ academy and was a
regular in the first-team before he left for Norwich City in the summer of 2013, is in talks to sign for Burnley on a free
transfer.
The 29-year-old only signed for the Super Lig side last summer and it is believed he was offered the opportunity to remain in
Istanbul, but the Brummie has chosen to instead return to these shores and is in discussions with the newly promoted
Clarets.
Redmond scored five times and produced five assists for Besiktas last season, including one remarkable goal against city
rivals Fenerbahce when he took the ball up inside his own half, drove forwards and picked out the corner from outside the
penalty area.
“From the very first day I arrived, you have shown me nothing but love and support,” Redmond wrote on Instagram. “It’s a
difficult decision for myself and my family not to return and wear the black and white jersey this season, but in the one
season I spent with you guys, I’m forever thankful for the memories, and history we created together.”
Redmond, who has a single England cap to his name, earned when he appeared against Germany in a friendly match in
2017, is set to sign for Vincent Kompany, who has already snapped up Dara O’Shea from West Brom. He is also poised to
recruit goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
Redmond came through the ranks at Wast Hills from 2002 and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2011 under Chris Hughton
in the Championship as Blues experienced European football at St Andrew’s – Redmond had scored against Nacional in
Blues’ Europa League play-off.
By the time he left for Norwich to reunite with Hughton a couple of years later, he had scored nine goals in 82 appearances.
He has well over 250 Premier League appearances to his name, and is set to increase that number at Turf Moor.
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Coventry City keen on second Burnley player
The Sky Blues will be keen to secure promotion next season after missing out on penalties in the play-off final in May, with Fankaty Dabo’s miss proving to be very costly for them.
But they are in a healthy position at this stage, with Viktor Gyokeres’ sale allowing them to bring in Ellis Simms and the Sweden international’s sale may also allow Mark Robins to strengthen in other areas.
Where do Coventry City need to strengthen most?
Coventry are clearly in need of some central defenders considering the lack of options they have in this area at this stage.
Luke McNally returned to Burnley following the expiration of his loan spell, Jonathan Panzo went back to Nottingham
Forest and Callum Doyle returned to Manchester City.
Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, a return for the latter won’t be possible after he joined Leicester City on loan for the
2023/24 season.
Not only have their former loanees departed – but Michael Rose has also been released and the Sky Blues will be unable to
change their mind and recruit him after he signed for Alex Neil’s Stoke City.
Kyle McFadzean and Jake Bidwell may be available as options – but more players will be needed in this area if they want to
retain a back three and ensure they have enough depth to cover for injuries and suspensions.
What’s the state of play in central defence for Burnley?
It would be difficult to see Thomas and fellow Coventry target McNally winning much game time at Turf Moor next season.
Dara O’Shea and Jordan Beyer are probably the Clarets’ two starting options at this point – and the likes of Ameen Al-Dakhil,
Hjalmar Ekdal and Charlie Taylor are also able to operate in this area.
This could give Vincent Kompany to offload one or both of Thomas and McNally, either on loan or permanently.
How could Coventry City strike a deal for both Luke McNally and/or Bobby Thomas?
The Clarets have held talks to sign Gustavo Hamer and with the player having just one year left on his contract at the
Coventry Building Society Arena, the Sky Blues may benefit from selling him now rather than risk losing him for free next
summer.
With this, a potential swap deal could be possible if Kompany is happy to sanction an exit for both McNally and/or Thomas.
Millwall are also believed to be keen on McNally but may struggle to find the cash needed to recruit him on a permanent
basis if the Clarets are happy to see the ex-Oxford United man go for the long term.
Thomas, meanwhile, would need to take a step up a division following his loan spell at League One side Barnsley and in
fairness, that was something last season’s loanee Doyle was able to do without any issues.
The Clarets are trying to put in place a deal that Coventry will accept and the Daily Mail believes one or two Burnley players
could be on their way to the CBS Arena in exchange for Hamer if a deal is struck.
Both McNally and Thomas could be good signings for Coventry who need some central defenders in as quickly as possible.
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