"I would be annoyed" - Claim made on Manuel Benson as Leeds United plot Burnley raid | OneFootball

Our Burnley fan pundit discussed a potential Leeds United move for Manuel Benson

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

One of Football League World's Burnley fan pundits believes that it's the right decision for Manuel Benson to move on this summer, but believes it would be a blow if he was to join a Championship promotion rival in Leeds United.

It's been reported by TEAMtalk that Benson is happy to leave Turf Moor this summer and is expected to seal a move before the transfer window shuts later this month, and that Leeds United are firmly in the mix for his signature.

The 27-year-old joined Burnley in 2022 and enjoyed a successful first season with the Clarets, playing an important role as his side won the Championship title, but he struggled for regular playing time in the Premier League.

Kompany, the man who brought Benson to the club, has been replaced by Scott Parker, and he's yet to make an appearance this season, having been an unused substitute in the Clarets' first two games of the season.

Burnley told to avoid selling Manuel Benson to Leeds United

Our Burnley fan pundit, Nathan Rogers, believes it's the right decision to offload Benson this summer, but has urged his side's hierarchy to avoid selling him to a Championship rival, particularly Leeds, who are likely to be competing with the Clarets for the Championship title.

Speaking to Football League World, Nathan said: “The Manuel Benson stuff, I can’t say I’m surprised if I’m being brutally honest.

“I know I speak from a fan’s point of view, and it’s hard not to love Manuel Benson. He scored us a goal that won us the league on our rival’s patch and even though he was imperative to that Championship title-winning season, since then he’s not had much of an impact for us.

“He’s been a bit-part player, and he’s struggled to stay fit and even when he is fit he can’t seem to play for more than 40 minutes without breaking down and looking like he’s lost. “That being said, he is a phenomenal impact substitute, but we can’t carry players to be an impact substitute. We’re a team that is looking to win the game and kill the game off as soon as possible, and I think we’d rather have players on the pitch that can do the job instead of bringing players on later on.

“I would be annoyed to see him leave for a Championship rival if I’m being brutally honest, especially Leeds, who will be one of our main rivals for the title. It would be a kick in the teeth, but if we could get him to a foreign club or a European club, I think that would suit all parties a bit better.

“Sad to see him go, but we need to trim our squad down and Benson and those sort of players are the cannon fodder for all of that.”

Manuel Benson could still be an excellent player at Championship level

Benson showed during the 2022/23 season that he could be a superstar at Championship level, and it's easy to see why Leeds, along with Sunderland and Norwich City are keen on a move for him, as per Sacha Tavolieri on X.

The Belgian winger scored 11 goals and registered three assists in 33 Championship appearances for the Clarets, so it's not a surprise to see him attracting interest.

It's clear that Benson needs a fresh start, and a move away from Turf Moor is needed if he's to get his career back on track, and he should be champing at the bit to prove a point after a disappointing season last year.

With Leeds losing Crysencio Summerville and Norwich potentially set to lose Jon Rowe, Benson could be the perfect man to replace them, and if his 22/23 campaign was anything to go by, he'll be a real asset wherever he ends up in the Championship.