Burnley FC: Steven Gerrard can find Zian Flemming 2.0 beating Rangers to Leeds transfer | OneFootball

Steven Gerrard could be about to join Burnley and he can replace Zian Flemming by striking a deal with Leeds to beat Middlesbrough & Rangers to him...

Burnley could be set for a summer of transition, and with Steven Gerrard expected to take the reins from Scott Parker, attention will quickly turn to how the Clarets reshape their attacking options.

Much of that may hinge on the future of Zian Flemming, who has enjoyed a strong campaign in the Premier League with Burnley and is now likely to attract interest elsewhere. The Dutchman moved into double figures for the season against Nottingham Forest, with only one of his goals not coming in the league.

In the Championship last term, Flemming notched 14 goals and four assists in 37 games. He did that in a team with 100 points and is only just short of it this season in a team set for fewer than 30 points. That's guaranteed to have been noticed by top flight sides across Europe.

In a team short of quality and creativity in their forward line, Flemming has been central to Burnley’s attack. Having been more of a second-striker in years gone by, he has become more of a natural centre-forward. He now offers a blend of physical presence, intelligent movement, while also being a reliable goal threat.

Zian Flemming could be replaced by Joel Piroe at Burnley

Should Flemming depart after just two seasons at Turf Moor, replacing those qualities will not be straightforward. However, one name that stands out as a potential successor is Joel Piroe, with the Leeds United striker reportedly attracting interest from Rangers and Middlesbrough.

Should Steven Gerrard join to replace Scott Parker, beating that competition could prove to be crucial. Piroe may not have fully convinced at Premier League level, but in the Championship he has consistently demonstrated truly elite finishing instincts.

His goal record speaks for itself, and in many respects, he could be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Flemming — particularly in terms of output. While Flemming arguably offers more in terms of physicality and aerial presence, Piroe brings a sharper edge inside the penalty area.

His movement to find space in the penalty area, incredible composure in front of goal, and ability to operate as both a central striker and a slightly deeper attacking presence behind a focal point could definitely suit a Burnley side that will need to adapt and to hit the ground running. They will be expected to bounce back the first time of asking.

With Burnley dropping back into the Championship, Piroe’s credentials become even more compelling. He has already proven himself as one of the most clinical forwards in the division, and there is a strong argument to suggest he is an even more natural goalscorer at that level than Flemming.

The 26-year-old has 73 goals and 18 assists in 179 appearances in English football's second tier, with only 30 players scoring more than that since the division's inception in 2004. Those goals came across four seasons, and he guarantees goals at the level, irrespective of formation, shape, or role in attack.

Steven Gerrard must shape the Burnley team in his own image

Piroe's reliability would be invaluable for a side aiming to secure an immediate return to the top flight. He is also an ever-present, having barely missed a game since he came to Britain via PSV Eindhoven. That makes him consistently available and clinical, which is a frightening combination.

Even if Flemming ends up remaining at the club, Gerrard may see value in reshaping the attack with players he trusts to execute his tactical ideas. They could have both players, albeit them playing together may not always be optimal. Piroe’s profile — less reliant on physical dominance and more focused on positioning and finishing — could provide a different dimension.

Ultimately, in the end, much of this is likely to depend on Flemming’s future. But if Burnley are forced into the market, moving decisively for Piroe, and beating off interest from Rangers and Middlesbrough in the process, could represent smart business.

In many ways, it would not just be a replacement. He may lack some aspects physically but it could be an upgrade in terms of pure goalscoring output and also in terms of connecting attacks, as Piroe is a player with vision and the ability to pick passes. It could be a move that aligns with Gerrard’s potential vision for the club and playing philosophy in 2026/27.