Jackson Muleka’s £3.5 million move from Standard Liege to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley fell through due to problems regarding his work permit, Voetbal Belgie report.
It is believed that Muleka will be sharing a dressing room with Wout Weghorst in 2022/23. But not at Turf Moor.
Weghorst brought an early end to six forgettable months in Lancashire this week, completing his move to Turkish giants Besiktas. And, according to Fabrizio Romano, Muleka will be joining him. The DR Congo international should be confirmed as a Besiktas player before the week is out.
And he arrives in Istanbul with an outstanding track record in Turkish football. Muleka contributed 15 goals and seven assist during a terrific loan spell at Kasimpasa last term after all.
But why did Burnley’s pursuit of the skilful centre-forward collapse like a house of cards in a hurricane?
Jackson Muleka’s Burnley move collapses
The Clarets seemed to be on the verge of signing both Muleka and Standard Liege team-mate Samuel Bastien a couple of days ago; A double-deal that would set the Championship outfit back just shy of £5 million.
That was before it became apparent that Muleka would not quality for a work permit. The 22-year-old had already completed part of his medical with Burnley. The remainder of those medical tests, The Athletic claim, have now been cancelled.
With Weghorst gone and Muleka now joining him in Istanbul, the pressure is on Kompany and co to find a new number nine before Burnley kick off the new campaign away at Huddersfield Town in three weeks’ time.
Ashley Barnes, Jay Rodriguez and the injured Matej Vydra are the only strikers at Kompany’s disposal, even if Scott Twine, scorer of 20 goals last term, should add thrust and quality in the final third.
Makhtar Gueye of KV Oostende is one option. Burnley are reportedly willing to pay £4 million for the 6ft 3ins targetman.
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