Football League World
·20 December 2024
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·20 December 2024
Bayern Munich's interest in Luca Koleosho could force club's hands to make a move in January
Luca Koleosho was one of Burnley's standout stars in their relegation campaign, so it seems incomprehensible to think that he's been among their worst performers this season.
One of the hottest young properties in the Premier League last season, the Clarets were asking for £40m when Wolves came calling, and while that was enough to put them off back then, they may return in January amid a desperate bid to beat the drop.
Koleosho certainly hasn't ripped any trees up in the Championship this season, which many expected he would do after impressing in the Premier League, although he could perhaps point to a major injury that sidelined him for most of last season.
Whether it's a slow recovery from injury, inexperience or simply a dip in form, Koleosho has certainly underwhelmed this season, but there is still expected to be interest in him in the coming weeks.
His former boss Vincent Kompany is reportedly interested in taking him to Bayern Munich, but only in the summer, which could potentially open up a can of worms for Burnley in January.
Bayern Munich being interested in taking Koleosho in the summer creates a whole new issue for any clubs chasing the pacey wide man, and although Wolves are the only club currently credited with an interest, he will undoubtedly have more suitors.
The allure of playing for Bayern is sure to be a huge pulling factor in the summer, and the potential to reunite with Kompany, the man who gave Koleosho his first big break, could be hard for any other side to compete against.
With that in mind, it leaves the likes of Wolves with a huge decision to make - do they try and sign him now before Bayern potentially make a move in the summer, or do they sit back and hope they can get him cheaper in the summer.
Wolves' main issue right now is that their new manager may not fancy Koleosho, as their summer interest came whilst Gary O'Neil was at the helm, not Vitor Pereira, who may not fancy the youngster.
His form in the Championship so far could be enough to put off any potential suitors, but on the evidence of his performances last season, someone may just be willing to take a chance if they can pip Bayern to the post in January.
The £40m Burnley quoted Wolves is nothing more than a pipe dream now, with his performances this term not coming close to warranting that sort of price tag.
In keeping with that, it's hard to say they're Bayern Munich-worthy performances either, but Kompany proved last season that he can nurture Koleosho and he knows how to get the best out of him, despite the fact his numbers didn't reflect the level of performances.
But even with that caveat Burnley have going in their favour if they choose to deal with Bayern, a £40m price tag seems be wishful thinking.
For any clubs wanting to pip Bayern, who will only make a move in the summer, to the post though, the Clarets are still likely to command a healthy fee given they're battling for promotion.
In spite of his poor performances this term, losing him now could still be detrimental to thier season, and that impact will undoubtedly be accounted for in whatever Burnley quote to any interested parties in January.