Premier League newcomers Burnley have missed out on former Bundesliga defender Paulo Otavio with the Brazilian leaving VFL Wolfsburg for Qatari outfit Al-Sadd.
With Ian Maatsen one of a number of players facing an uncertain future beyond the summer transfer window – the Dutchman was only on loan at Burnley from top-flight giants Chelsea – a replacement left-back is understandably high on Vincent Kompany’s wishlist.
According to UOL, Burnley were one of a number of clubs weighing up a move for free-agent Otavio. The 28-year-old was leaving Wolfsburg after three seasons at the Volkswagen Arena.
An impressive tally of five Bundesliga assists in 2022/23, meanwhile, suggested that the former Ingolstadt ace could have emulated Maatsen’s attacking thrust down the left-hand side.
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley miss out on a Bundesliga ace
Otavio, however, appears to have opted to increase his bank balance instead. The reported CSKA Moscow and Real Mallorca target joined 16-time Qatari Stars League champions Al-Sadd on a free transfer earlier this week.
Al-Sadd, once coached by now-Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, currently employ Pep Guardiola’s former Manchester City assistant Juanma Lillo. Otavio, meanwhile, could be sharing a dressing room with Arsenal icon and ex-Spain international Santi Cazorla at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
Burnley, meanwhile, look set for a busy summer of comings and goings, even if Kompany is playing down suggestions of a Nottingham Forest-style splurge. Jordan Beyer, so impressive on loan from Borussia Monchengbadlach, has already returned to Lancashire.
The departure of Ashley Barnes – and the likely exit of top scorer Nathan Tella – means new forward options will be required, with the likes of Croatia international Luka Ivanusec, Bundesliga speedster Sheraldo Becker and former Inter Milan starlet Yann Karamoh among those reportedly on Kompany’s radar.
One player who joined the Clarets during Kompany’s first summer in charge, however, is refusing to rule out a move away after just one season at Turf Moor.
“You never know in football,” the seldom-seen Samuel Bastien tells Le Soir.
“I will join Burnley in the summer, and then we will see what happens. Next season, we will play in the Premier League and everyone dreams of playing there.
“Maybe I will get a chance to play there.”
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