Burnley FC transfer window Q&A: January wishlist, squad dilemma and Florentino future
It’s fair to say it’s been a quiet start to Burnley’s January transfer window.
Already at the halfway point, to date only two deals have been completed – both outgoings – with Hannes Delcroix joining FC Lugano on a permanent deal and Luca Koleosho ending his loan at Espanyol early to make a similar temporary move to Paris FC, albeit with an option.
But in terms of incomings, it’s all quiet on the western front.
The Clarets still have until 7pm on Monday, February 2 to complete their business, although Burnley are in action that night - away at Sunderland, with the game kicking off at 8pm, which adds another layer of complexity.
In the midst of the window, the Burnley Express asked its readers what transfer-related questions you’d like answered by our Clarets writer Matt Scrafton. Here’s what you came up with:
Will Burnley look to do business?
Scott Parker has repeatedly claimed that Burnley would like to be active this month, but can’t guarantee it. He commented recently that meetings are being held regularly and targets have been identified, but whether the club has the finances available and whether those players can be enticed is another matter.
Saying that, the Clarets boss sounded a lot more confident when asked if a replacement will be required for Josh Cullen, who is sadly facing nine months on the sidelines as a result of his cruel ACL blow.
One big issue for Burnley is finding space within their 25-man squad. If Cullen drops out, as you’d expect, then any midfielder that arrives will fill that gap. But who else is removed? Delcroix and Koleosho weren’t part of it, so they don’t count. The injured Connor Roberts potentially? But it depends if he’s likely to be back fit between now and the end of the season.
Hjalmar Ekdal has been touted as a potential target for French side Nice. If he were to leave, that might free up some funds to bring in a newcomer.
But aside from that, without any surprise departures or harsh removals from the official squad list, it’s difficult to see where that space will be created.
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What positions are Burnley looking to strengthen?
As mentioned, midfield seems the obvious area given Cullen’s setback, although Burnley do have options there – Florentino Luis and Lesley Ugochukwu being the preferred two, with Josh Laurent and Hannibal as backup options.
Looking elsewhere, I think most would agree the Clarets are currently lacking in the forward department. Parker certainly has options in the wide areas with Jaidon Anthony, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Marcus Edwards, Loum Tchaouna and Mike Tresor on the books, but does he have the required quality?
An upgrade at centre-back would also be beneficial, but that might not be on top of the priority list.
Given the predicament Burnley are in, is there any point of making any signings?
Well that’s one way of looking at it! But no, I understand the sentiment.
While the eight-point gap is sizable, it’s not insurmountable, so I don’t see a world where the club simply throws in the towel.
Let’s not forget Burnley found themselves in a similar predicament two years ago yet they still strengthened, utilising the loan market to bring in Maxime Esteve, Lorenz Assignon and David Fofana.
Is Florentino Luis just on loan?
The midfielder agreed a season-long loan move from Benfica with an obligation to buy at the end of the campaign, so he’ll become a permanent Burnley player come the end of the season irrespective of relegation or survival.
I’d personally be surprised if a player accustomed to playing in the Champions League sticks around for the Championship, so it might be a case of Florentino signing permanently and then being immediately sold or loaned out. But that’s just me speculating.