Burnley face Axel Tuanzebe exit twist as Hull City engage July talks | OneFootball

Axel Tuanzebe is the subject of interest from newly promoted Premier League side Hull City

Burnley's transition back to being a Championship club hasn't been as smooth sailing as they'd have liked thus far, and they now face losing Axel Tuanzebe after a strong World Cup with DR Congo.

The 28-year-old has endured a difficult career since breaking through in the Manchester United academy. Injury woes and general unavailability haven't led him to make his mark elsewhere, despite clearly having the talent to do so.

Last summer, Tuanzebe signed a one-year deal at Burnley, and when fit, was one of the first names on the team sheet at Turf Moor in the Premier League. Unfortunately, he made just 14 league appearances, all being starts, due to injuries and national team commitments.

The 28-year-old didn't make his league debut until October as he built up his fitness, would miss a month in December due to the African Cup of Nations, and would then miss three months in 2026 due to an Achilles issue.

But when on the field, Tuanzebe showed his worth, and Burnley stated in their retained list that they were in contact with the 28-year-old over a new deal. When he jetted off to the World Cup without a new deal being signed, though, there was always going to be the danger of a good showing attracting fresh, top-flight interest.

Hull City in talks over Axel Tuanzebe deal after World Cup showing

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DR Congo's second-ever World Cup finals, and their first under the DR Congo name, was a huge success, as Sebastien Desabre's side reached the knockout rounds for the first time and proved a match for every side they faced.

They wound up finishing as the best third-placed side in the competition after taking a point off Portugal, only losing by a narrow one-goal margin against Colombia, and breezing past Uzbekistan.

Against England in the Round of 32, DR Congo led for the majority of the game and put in a spirited defensive performance against Thomas Tuchel's side, keeping them out for 75 minutes before a late Harry Kane double turned the game around and sent them home.

At the heart of that defensive display was Tuanzebe, who, per Fotmob, made nine defensive contributions, six clearances and one last-man tackle on Kane in the first half.

It was a strong performance from the now-free agent on the biggest stage, and it's piqued the interest of newly promoted Hull City, who are now in talks over a deal for Tuanzebe, per Mike McGrath of the Telegraph.

The Tigers were promoted against the odds last season, finishing in the play-offs despite critics tipping them for relegation pre-season due to their ongoing transfer embargo, and then became the first sixth-placed side to prevail at Wembley since Blackpool in 2010 when they beat Middlesbrough in the final.

Hull are likely going to need a full squad makeover this summer to get ready for the Premier League. Already, Ivor Pandur and Aidon Shehu have departed to ensure they stayed within financial constraints, and Kyle Joseph could soon part as well, with a switch to Boro currently stalling.

How Burnley fans reacted to Axel Tuanzebe's contract situation during the England game

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During the England game, Burnley fans were made to ask 'what if?' while watching Tuanzebe put in an incredibly strong defensive showing.

Burnley Express reporter Matt Scrafton reaffirmed that the 28-year-old's contract at Turf Moor had run out, and admitted that on the basis of the England performance, "he won't be playing in the Championship next season."

Some Clarets fans congregated in his replies to vent their frustrations about his effort levels while Burnley were in the midst of long losing runs and another relegation battle last season, albeit over not many games.

"I wish his effort levels were like this during the season," one said. "He didn't show that level of commitment last season," said another.

One fan showed no remorse when discussing his injury record, stating that Tuanzebe was a man "who can injure himself in his own home as well as outside." They admitted that he wanted him to stay, but stated that his injury record would be why he'd leave.

Ultimately, if the 28-year-old does join Hull, that would be another perceived relegation battle he'd be involved in. After going down with Ipswich Town and now with Burnley, he'd be hoping it'd be third time's a charm if the MKM Stadium is his next destination.