Nicky Hayen addresses Luca Koleosho’s Burnley departure

While Nicky Hayen understands why some Burnley fans might be disappointed by the departure of Luca Koleosho, he believes it’s the right move for the club.

It was announced on Wednesday that the winger had left Turf Moor to join French outfit Paris FC in a permanent move for an undisclosed fee.

He made 18 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit during a loan spell in the second half of last season, following an unsuccessful temporary stint at Espanyol.

The 21-year-old joined the Clarets in the summer of 2023 and featured 45 times during his first two seasons at Turf Moor.

While his career in East Lancashire was up and down, many Burnley fans felt there was potential there and there was more to come from the wide man, who has recently been capped by Italy’s senior side.

But reacting to Koleosho’s departure, Hayen felt it was the right move for all concerned given he only wants players who are fully committed to the cause.

“I understand that supporters are disappointed, but at a certain moment a player wants to make the step,” he told the Burnley Express.

“I'd rather have players who are fully focused into the club and want to give their heart for the club, for the badge, for the colours. That's actually what we need.

“If a player wants to make the step and is not here with his hat anymore, then you have to make the best decision.

Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Clarets coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. Click here

“If you get a really good amount, then we can maybe use this amount to get other players in. It's how it goes in football.

“I think also now with the signing of Ugo [Raghouber], we want to bring quality players. We want to have the connection with the fans, that they can identify themselves with the team. I think we made a really good step today to show this.”