Three Players Sean Dyche And Burnley Should Look To Sign In January
Sean Dyche has done remarkably well this season, managing the Burnley side to 3 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats in 9 league games so far. The Clarets started the season on a high, with a surprise 3-2 win at champions Chelsea on opening day and followed it up by draws against Tottenham and Liverpool.
Although there’s little doubt Burnley will make signings in the January transfer window, what sort of players they would sign perhaps depends on their need to strengthen the concerned position.
One must assume that signings will be made at realistic levels, given Burnley’s tight budget. Keeping their current form in mind, Burnley are certainly heading in the right direction under Dyche and could truly use the winter transfer window to make further progress.
Here are the three players Dyche should aim to sign in January.
Nicolas Castillo
Sean Dyche reportedly remains interested in signing Pumas striker Nicolas Castillo, despite missing out on him in the summer. Burnley were eager to bring Castillo to the Premier League, after the Chilean’s hot form in front of goal for Mexican club UNAM.
The move was allegedly unsuccessful due to visa issues, and the Clarets moved to sign New Zealand international Chris Wood from Leeds United. However, Dyche is considering returning for the 24-year-old at the start of 2018.
Castillo, who previously had a spell with Club Brugge, could also provide cover for strikers Wood, Sam Vokes and Nahki Wells.
Sebastien Bassong
Given the fact Dyche emphasises more on defence than attack, he is expected to sign a defender in January. In Sebastien Bassong, Burnley will also get a centre-back with Premier League proven quality.
Bassong, 31, last played for Norwich City in the Championship and is currently a free agent. James Tarkowski and Ben Mee as a centre-back pairing have performed extremely well this season, as Burnley have proved to be defensively resilient a lot of times.
The defence is not considered an area of concern for Dyche, but the experience of Bassong would surely help.
Barry Bannan
Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan might be a relatively unknown figure, but has an admirer in Burnley boss Sean Dyche.
For a second season in a row, Sheffield Wed made the Championship play-offs but fell short of promotion and the 27-year-old Scot could be looking to move elsewhere this January.
Bannan, the former Aston Villa man, gathered experience in the Premier League during his time at Villa Park and might be tempted to play in the top-tier again should Burnley come calling.