Should Burnley Make A Move For Queens Park Rangers Defender And Club Captain Nedum Onuoha?
Burnley are reportedly targeting a move for Queens Park Rangers defender and captain Nedum Onuoha. The player’s contract is set to expire soon and although the Championship outfit are keen on renewing it to retain Onuoha, an interest from the Clarets could potentially tip the scales in their favour. Moving from QPR to Burnley would certainly prove to be an upgrade, especially with Sean Dyche’s men maintaining a stronghold on their top-10 spot so far.
The 31-year-old missed out on a couple of matches for QPR due to an injury but he has recovered and even appeared in their recent game against Leeds United. If Onuoha refuses to sign a new contract with the club to keep his options open, Burnley could pull off a coup and land him for free next summer. However, it remains to be seen if Dyche is willing to take that risk and wait around instead of making a move for him in January itself.
Having made over 180 appearances for QPR, Onuoha is a key member in their defence. An out-and-out leader on the field, the Nigerian international’s solidity at the back is something the club would not want to forego. That said, if a club with an exciting Premier League future like Burnley comes calling, they might not be able to do much to persuade Onuoha to stay back. He is one of their top-earners – and for all good reasons – but if Burnley were to approach in January itself, QPR could be tempted for a good amount of money.
As far as the situation at Burnley is concerned, Ben Mee has been attracting a lot of interest for his stunning displays at the back. In fact, he might have even caught the fancy of a few top clubs and if he were to exit Turf Moor sometime soon, Dyche would need a replacement.
Mee has been a force to be reckoned with at the back but there is no guarantee that he would say no to bigger and better offers. Hence, lining up a replacement in the form of Onuoha does seem like a step in the right direction for Burnley.
The player is weak when it comes to aerial challenges but his defensive prowess in other areas more than makes up for it. Hence, it will be a tough choice for the 31-year-old. Staying back at QPR would be a massive sign of his commitment but can he resist the temptation to join the big boys in the Premier League? Only time will tell.
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