World Cup Watch: Celtic can help Burnley with a signing
Published:Since being relegated from the Premier League in the 2009/10 campaign, Burnley have focussed their buying from within the British Isles and there is no player from outside this region currently in their squad that sealed their return to the top flight from the Championship.
However, this doesn’t mean that Sean Dyche won’t look further afield when attempting to retain Burnley’s top-flight status, with the World Cup a worthy hunting ground for scouting new recruits.
Below are three players that Burnley can target to strengthen their current squad, which is certainly lacking in significant top-level experience.
Ousmane Viera
Sol Bamba would be the logical choice of an Ivory Coast defender to join Burnley because of his stint at Leicester, but compatriot Viera has been a regular in Turkey this season with Rizespor.
Viera’s strength and pace would be well suited to the Premier League, especially if partnered with the ageing, but significantly experienced Michael Duff.
Renato Ibarra
The last time Burnley secured promotion to the Premier League they took a punt on a young Ecuadorian midfielder on loan, with Fernando Guerrero going on to represent them on nine occasions.
Another winger wouldn’t go amiss at Turf Moor to challenge Scott Arfield and Ibarra is not only in double figures for international caps, but has good experience of the demands of European football, having been in Holland with Vitesse since 2011.
He is a strong dribbler, who can cross or cut inside to have shots at goal.
Georgios Samaras
Samaras is out of contract at Celtic after seven seasons in Scotland and as things stand, he is unlikely to sign an extension.
The Greek striker arguably has unfinished business in the Premier League after 10 goals in three seasons at Manchester City and he is still only 29 years old.
His experience would be an asset, while Samaras’ playing style appears a good fit with this season’s top scorer Danny Ings.
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