So far, just the one Jupiler League star has put pen to paper with Burnley since Sean Dyche’s permanent successor was unveiled at Turf Moor. But with Burnley’s summer rebuild only partially complete, Samuel Bastien could have some, ahem, ‘Kompany’ before long.
Josh Cullen – Anderlecht
Vincent Kompany, upon his official unveiling as Burnley manager last month, insisted that there were no plans to raid his old employers during the manager’s first summer in charge of the Clarets. Well, that was until it emerged that Anderlecht would be willing to cash in on a man who became Kompany’s on-pitch general at Lotto Park.
Cullen – a player the Manchester City legend praised to the hilt for his relentless work ethic and never-say-die attitude – has been conspicuous by his absence during pre-season training as Anderlecht prepare for life without the former West Ham youngster.
Burnley have reportedly submitted a bid in the region of £3 million.
Gaetan Coucke – KV Mechelen
Whoever replaces Nick Pope at Turf Moor will have big boots to fill. Or should that be gloves? Either way, there will be plenty of pressure on Aro Muric’s shoulders should be become the third Manchester City man to join Kompany in Lancashire, following CJ Egan-Riley and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
And while they do say that diamonds are forged in pressurised environments, Muric’s last spell in the Championship – at Nottingham Forest – hardly went to plan. And that’s being kind.
According to The Athletic, talks between Burnley and Muric are ongoing. But the availability of Gaetan Coucke gives Kompany food for thought – and an exciting alternative to take Pope’s place between the sticks.
“Going abroad has always been a dream,” Coucke said recently amid links with West Ham United. “And I feel ready for this next step. If a good offer comes in from a good club, then I will consider it.”
Coucke is a shot-stopper blessed with super reflexes and an impressive command of his penalty area.
Makhtar Gueye – KV Oostende
If it wasn’t for those pesky work permit regulations, Burnley would have been welcoming a new centre-forward to England’s north west last week. Jackson Muleka was supposed to join from Standard Liege for £3.5 million. Well, until the deal fell through almost at the eleventh hour, of course..
But in Makhtar Gueye, Kompany also has his sights set on a 6ft 3ins targetman who looks every inch a typical Turf Moor number nine. Burnley are reportedly willing to invest £4 million in Gueye; A player Kompany believes would thrive amidst the silver-platter service provided by Dwight McNeil, Charlie Taylor and co.
Sory Kaba – OH Leuven (loan)
Despite scoring 12 goals in 29 games on loan at OH Leuven last season, the powerhouse Guinea international is facing an uncertain future at club level. OHL coach Marc Gryse wants a more mobile option up front and Kaba – a 6ft 3ins sky-scraper of a man – doesn’t really fit that particular brief.
But if Kompany likes Makhtar Gueye, one suspects that the availability of a similarly physical centre-forward is unlikely to go unnoticed. Especially with parent club Midtjylland valuing Kaba at just £2.5 million.
“If there a club that comes and that suits him and suits us, then we have to look at it,” says the club’s sporting director Svend Graversen (Tips Bladet).
“But it’s up to him. He is a good player.
Jack Hendry – Club Brugge
Burnley might have signed three new centre-halves this summer already – Luke McNally joining Egan-Riley and Harwood-Bellis – but do not rule out a fourth new face at the back. Kevin Long has never been anything more than a back-up option and he will turn 32 next month.
Furthermore, it is far from certain at this stage that Nathan Collins will still be a Burnley player in 2022/23. The Republic of Ireland international has his fair share of Premier League admirers.
So keep a close eye on Jack Hendry.
The former Dundee youngster has bounced back brilliantly from an ill-fated spell at Celtic. And The Record claim that Hendry – who set Brugge back a cool £5 million – caught Kompany’s eye over in Belgium. Tall and rangy yet impressive with the ball at his feet; Hendry could be a readymade replacement for Collins should the Clarets receive an offer they simply cannot refuse.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
