Jackson Muleka’s agent has confirmed that ‘a problem with his work permit’ was the reason behind the striker’s failed £3.5 million move to Championship outfit Burnley, speaking via Enson Haber.
Now, reports coming out of Belgium and Turkey last week did suggest that a work permit – or the lack thereof – was the reason why the 22-year-old DR Congo international was set to slip through Vincent Kompany’s fingers.
But with Muleka’s representative making the information public, at least we’ve heard it from the proverbial horse’s mouth.
Fresh from an outstanding, 15-goal loan spell at Kasimpasa, Muleka looked certain to join Standard Liege team-mate Samuel Bastien to Turf Moor. But while Bastien would arrive, Muleka ended the week as a Besiktas player instead.
Ironically enough, he will now be competing with none other than Wout Weghorst for a starting place under former West Brom and Barnsley coach Valerien Ismael in Istanbul.
Burnley miss out as Jackson Muleka joins Besiktas
“Muleka’s transfer to Burnley did not take place,” explains Jean-Willy Ngoma, Muleka’s agent. “Because there was a problem with his work permit.”
According to The Athletic, the speedy centre-forward had already undergone part of his medical with the Clarets before the deal collapsed. He now puts pen to paper on a long-term deal worth £32,000-a-week at Besiktas.
One of Turkey’s traditional big three finished a disappointing sixth in the Turkish Super Lig table during 2021/22.
“Valerien Ismael started to follow Muleka after his performance for the Kasimpasa match at Vodafone Park (last season),” Ngoma adds.
“Even though Besiktas lost, Muleka was impressed by the passion of the fans in the stadium. Galatasaray also had a great interest in Jackson. At the last moment, Adana Demirspor stepped in. However, we chose Beşiktaş.
“The biggest plus of Muleka is that he is a very ambitious football player. He wants to give Besiktas the best support and win championships.”
At least, with Luke McNally, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, CJ Egan-Riley and the reigning League One Player of the Year Scott Twine joining Bastien, Kompany has already put his stamp on a Burnley team in transition.
The Belgian’s former Anderlecht enforcer Josh Cullen should be the next to arrive.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
