Burnley plan shock deal for £18m title-winner with ‘incredible quality’

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Premier League newcomers Burnley are prioritising an ambitious move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Spain international Fabian Ruiz this summer. 

That is according to Foot Mercato; a PSG side under pressure from Financial Fair Play hoping to sell a number of senior players before the September 1st deadline.  

Fabian Ruiz, underwhelming since his £18 million move to the Ligue 1 champions from Napoli, is one of those who could bring in a considerable transfer fee. The 27-year-old playmaker has 16 caps for Spain, and was largely excellent during his four-year spell in Naples. 

And Burnley, returning to the top-flight after storming to the Championship title under Vincent Kompany, have seen their spending power boosted substantially with Premier League football on it’s way back to Turf Moor.

Former Real Betis favourite Ruiz is undoubtedly the biggest, most high-profile name to be linked with a move to Lancashire thus far. 

Can Burnley really sign Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain?

Ruiz, Foot Mercato add, is ‘at the top’ of Burnley’s wishlist. PSG are unlikely to stand in his way, though it remains to be seen if the Clarets are willing to match the £80,000-a-week wages he currently takes home at the Parc des Princes.

“Fabian Ruiz reminds me of (former Real Madrid great Fernando) Redondo,” ex-Italy international Antonio Nocerino said after Ruiz scored a stunning, stoppage-time winner against Lazio while still a Napoli player.  

“He shifts the balance (of the play), he has incredible quality and I’m happy that he’s doing well.”

An elegant, languid, left footed playmaker; reports that Burnley are prioritising a deal for Ruiz highlights the change in tack at Turf Moor since Kompany replaced the legendary Sean Dyche in the dugout. 

Ruiz’s vision and guile could see him slot in neatly at a Burnley side who averaged the second-highest possession numbers in the Championship last season. A far cry from Dyche’s direct, up-and-at-’em approach. 

“His growth has been exponential,” former Betis coach Quique Setien said following a Champions League clash between Ruiz’s Napoli and his Barcelona a couple of years ago.

“He only needed the opportunity. We gave him the chance (at Betis) and he grabbed it. He’s not only a great player but a great person.

“I trained him for one year, enough to understand that we had a player of an extraordinary level with a huge potential. And it’s effortless for him to showcase it.”