Why signing Matej Vydra is a fantastic move for Burnley
Czech international Matej Vydra has become Burnley’s latest signing, joining from Derby County for £11million. The striker is the Clarets’ third incoming transfer after they secured the signatures of Joe Hart and Ben Gibson.
Vydra joins a squad consisting of a number of decent forwards, including Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes, Sam Vokes and Nahki Wells, although the latter could be on his way out. Still, the Czech is an excellent addition to the Burnley setup and could prove a key figure in what is expected to be a long and demanding season.
Sean Dyche’s men have returned to European competition for the first time in 51 years and they must aim to repeat their strong performance in the Premier League.
Vydra returns to the Premier League after brief spells in the top tier with Watford and West Bromwich Albion, while on loan from Italian Serie A club Udinese in 2012/13.
Last season, the 26-year-old was a key performer for the Rams, netting 21 goals in 40 appearances in the Championship. He also provided 4 assists, thus displaying the fact that he’s ready to take the next step and play at a higher level.
He started his career in his home country with FC Vysočina Jihlava and Baník Ostrava before moving on to Udinese. In five years with the Italian club, he played most of his football away on loan with the likes of Club Brugge, Watford (twice) and West Brom.
In two seasons at Watford, 2012/13 and 2014/15, he scored 36 goals in 83 league matches, thus making the move from Udinese a permanent one. However, he couldn’t make the grade and fell down the pecking order behind Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo.
But after two excellent seasons at Pride Park, Vydra has gotten the chance to shine in the top-flight once again.
“I think five years ago I was like a kid in the Premier League. Now I feel I have more experience in English football, I speak better English and I have learned more in England, so I hope I’m a better player than five years ago.
“For the last four years I have been fighting to be in the Premier League. I haven’t done it with the teams I was playing for and sometimes it has to be done with a transfer and now I’m so happy”, said the Czech international.
Read More: Why Sean Dyche has struck gold for Burnley with this £15m late signing
Throughout his career, Vydra has scored 100 goals in 312 games in all competitions. He’s a prolific goal-scorer who can lead Burnley to greater things. Hence, his transfer to Turf Moor is a wise move by Sean Dyche.