Burnley opinion: The Clarets should win the race for Jay Rodriguez

Burnley may have finished the season in 15^th place, six points above the relegation zone but they were not always that safe. For large parts of the season, the Clarets flirted with relegation before finding a way to clamber out again.

That continued for most of the season, with their longest spell being the four games just before the turn of the year. However, with time and Sean Dyche at the helm, things did change for the club and they eventually managed to survive by the skin of their teeth.

It’s not something that anyone expected. especially after the season they had last time around. The Clarets were the dark horses of the 2017/18 season finishing in the final Europa League spot.

Injuries and various other issues saw them drop out in the final round of the qualifying stage and that seemed to affect their form.

Bad decisions in the summer and winter window further affected them with Matej Vydra, Ben Gibson, Joe Hart and even Peter Crouch doing next to nothing.

Crouch, in particular, turned out to be a horrid decision by Sean Dyche, especially given the fact that it was a swap deal for last season’s top scorer in Sam Vokes.

Things need to change at the club and with the summer window open for business, it allows the Clarets to make a few changes. But one player they really need to add is a brand new striker, especially if Burnley want to survive next season.

Neither Ashley Barnes nor Chris Wood are reliable options and while they did end the season well, the Clarets need more. Someone with Premier League experience, a reliable goalscorer and someone who can make an impact for a club like Burnley in the near future.

There aren’t too many players who fit that bill but one man who does is Jay Rodriguez. The Birmingham Mail has reported that the Clarets are looking to re-ignite a move for the former Southampton striker.

The 29-year-old finished his season in the Championship with 22 goals and 6 assists, making him amongst the second-tier’s top scorer. But his past at Burnley and the consistency that Rodriguez has managed to find over the years should play a part in any move.

The Englishman has averaged 10 odd goals a season since his breakout season, with his highest being this last season.

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Conclusion

Burnley need Jay Rodriguez in their ranks once again and the 29-year-old has a lot to prove once he does return to the Premier League.

He started off well but injuries saw things change for Rodriguez with a move to West Bromwich eventually happening. On the other hand, Burnley need a reliable striker and taking a chance on Jay Rodriguez will help the club have another attempt at European football.