Analysis – What Would Represent An Ideal January Transfer Window For Burnley?
Burnley have had a memorable 2017/18 season so far in the Premier League. Ahead of matchweek 19, the Clarets sit in an unprecedented 6th place in the league standings, ahead of last season’s runners-up Tottenham Hotspur.
Under Sean Dyche, the club have been making huge strides on the field and their rise to the top half of the table after being pegged as favourites for relegation last term indicates the amount of work that the club have put in and the rewards have been pleasing, to say the least.
However, the club and the manager will know that the job is only half done at the moment. There is still plenty of time left in the season and the challenge for them will be to sustain this form until the end of the term in May 2018. And with that in mind, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Dyche dip his toes into the transfer market once the winter window opens in January, while there could be a few departures from the Turf Moor as well.
With the January window looming large on us, let’s analyse as to what would represent an ideal transfer window for the Clarets.
While it is no secret that Dyche likes to work with a tight squad – as highlighted by the fact that only 20 players have made an appearance for the Clarets this season, they have been tested recently by injuries to key personnel. Injuries to the likes of Robbie Brady, Stephen Ward and Matthew Lowton of late would make the manager to consider bringing in new players in the winter.
While they do have readymade replacements in both full-back areas – in Phil Bardsley and Charlie Taylor, the same cannot be said about the centre-back positions.
Having sold Michael Keane for a huge sum in the summer, the Clarets did not replace him by bringing in a new player. They instead trusted James Tarkowski to step up and boy has he stepped up! However, with just Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Kevin Long as the senior centre-halves in the squad, a new face to bolster the heart of the defence would be a very good addition.
The Clarets’ midfield is very well stocked, with the likes of Steven Defour and Jack Cork performing admirably while Ashley Westwood and Jeff Hendrick are more than able deputies to have in the ranks. However, the wings need strengthening and Dyche would know it.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has been an ever-present on the right flank for Burnley this season and an injury to him would leave them exposed, especially considering the fact that summer signing Jonathan Walters, who can play on the right, has hardly kicked a ball this term. Also, the serious injury to Robbie Brady, who was the preferred choice on the left-hand side of the midfield, has left Dyche with just Scott Arfield as the only option.
So, without a question, the wide areas will be something that the manager will need to bolster and a player who can add depth on both the wings – someone like Hull City’s Kamil Grosicki, who has been on Dyche’s radar in the past, could prove to be a great signing.
Up front, Burnley are well-stocked with Chris Wood, Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes providing good options to lead the line. However, with summer signings Walters and Nahki Wells both being linked with a move away to EFL Championship side Aston Villa, a new forward, if either of the two depart, should be brought in as well.
Verdict
As things stand, Burnley have a strong, well-rounded squad, but if they are to keep pace with the big six of England, they will need to strengthen their ranks – especially in two major areas – a new centre-back and a winger. Along with two signings, if they get rid of the unwanted Frederik Ulvestad, it would represent a great transfer window for the Clarets and could set them on their way to finishing the season as strongly as they have started it.
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