Burnley set to sign player who snubbed Everton, West Ham once bid £11m

Follow us on Google Discover

Samuel Bastien will sign a three-year deal with Burnley after Vincent Kompany convinced the Standard Liege midfielder to choose the Championship over a host of other destinations, as reported by FootMercato. 

While much of the focus remains on Bastien’s Standard Liege team-mate and fellow Congo international Jackson Muleka – who also appears to be on his way to Turf Moor to the tune of around £4 million – do not underestimate what the Belgium-born 25-year-old can bring to the table. 

This is just as much of a coup as the Muleka deal, even if it hasn’t hogged quite so many headlines.

Bastien, during his time at Anderlecht and Chievo Verona, caught the eye of countless Premier League scouts. Including those of Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham United, Everton and Aston Villa. 

“Clubs such as Everton, Aston Villa, Nice and Galatasaray knocked on Chievo’s door,” Bastien told HBVL before moving back home to Belgium in 2018. “But Standard’s interest was the most concrete and I thought that this project was the best.” 

The talented midfielder reportedly came within touching distance of joining Liverpool as a youngster too. West Ham, meanwhile, had a £12 million deadline day bid rejected less than two years ago (HBVL). 

Burnley agree deal with Samuel Bastien

Now, with his contract running down, it seems that Burnley will finally succeed in luring Bastien to England. To the tune of just £700,000 no less.  

FootMercato claim that Bastien choose Burnley over a number of other European clubs. He was won over by Kompany’s tactics and approach. The report adds that meetings have taken place between club and player this week. Bastien will now put pen to paper on a deal that could tie him to Turf Moor until 2025. 

And,iIf he can show the form that had West Ham willing to stump up an eight-figure sum less than 24 months ago, Bastien could be one of the finest pound-for-pound signings in the Championship this season. 

Muleka, meanwhile, should be unveiled as a Burnley player early next week. He and Bastien will become signings three and four of the Kompany reign, after Scott Twine and Luke McNally.