Burnley plot transfer move for 9-goal attacking midfielder | OneFootball

Burnley are interested in signing Paris FC attacking midfielder Ilan Kebbal as they look to improve Nicky Hayen's squad.

Burnley are interested in Paris FC attacking midfielder Ilan Kebbal as they look to strengthen Nicky Hayen’s squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

The former Club Brugge boss won his first competitive game as Clarets chief as they beat Notts County on penalties in the EFL Cup.

Whilst Hayen will be pleased to get through, it’s fair to say it was an unconvincing display from Burnley against League One opposition, and it will be a concern that they didn’t do enough to beat the Magpies over 90 minutes.

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Of course, it’s still early days, but it will have been a reminder to Hayen and the hierarchy that new faces are required if Burnley are to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Burnley targeting Paris FC attacking midfielder Ilan Kebbel

And, it appears work is ongoing in the background in that sense, as journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Kebbel has emerged as a target for the Championship side.

He explains that Burnley are working on a loan-to-buy for the attacking midfielder, who has impressed in the French capital over the years.

Kebbel was hugely influential as Paris FC won promotion to Ligue 1 in the 2024/25 campaign, and he followed that up with arguably his best individual season last time out, scoring nine goals and registering four assists in the top tier.

It remains to be seen whether Paris FC will be open to such a deal for someone who has been a key player over the years, and whether the player would be open to dropping to the Championship.

Ilan Kebbal would be a smart signing for Burnley

It has been a frustrating window so far for Burnley fans, who feel that the club should’ve made more progress than they have.

Obviously, it took them a long time to bring in Hayen as head coach, which would have delayed the transfer business, and, like all clubs, the World Cup has impacted what deals could get done.

But, the performance against Notts County was proof that Burnley desperately need new additions, as why you shouldn’t read too much into one game, they didn’t really do much in attack.

So, signing someone like Kebbal would be a massive boost, and he is the calibre of player that the Clarets should be targeting this summer. Plus, if they can get him on an initial loan, it would be a relatively low-risk move for a talented player.

At 28, he is at his peak, so he would arrive at Turf Moor ready to make an instant impact, and he would bring some creativity and unpredictability that they have been lacking at times.

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Some will say that a quick, direct winger should be the immediate priority, but most would agree that several new faces need to come through the door in the coming weeks.

With Zian Flemming leading the line, Burnley should have someone who guarantees goals in the Championship, and the prospect of Kebbal linking up with the Dutchman is something that should excite the supporters if they can get this deal over the line.