Major Burnley "worries" aired over striker target that Middlesbrough sold for £22.5m | OneFootball

Burnley are eyeing a move for former Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, with concerns emerging over a move for the Atlanta United attacker...

Burnley have been linked with a move for former Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath of Atlanta United, with the Clarets eyeing reinforcements in attack.

Burnley have retained Zian Flemming so far, with the Dutchman hitting double figures in the Premier League last season. However, there are no guarantees he will remain at Turf Moor and proven Championship players are required in some areas.

Burnley have made an offer for Emmanuel Latte Lath, with the striker making a move to Atlanta United for a fee of around £22.5 million (BBC Sport) in February 2025. The 27-year-old scored 27 goals in 59 appearances in the Championship for Middlesbrough.

However, since then, Latte Lath has managed just 11 goals and four assists in 48 matches, which includes three in 16 games at the start of the current MLS season. Perhaps a return to English football could reignite his scoring touch.

The Burnley verdict on signing Emmanuel Latte Lath after Middlesbrough exit

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Latte Lath has failed to fire in the MLS, but his Championship record was excellent prior to that move. Burnley want to do a loan-to-buy deal in the event that they go up and Atlanta want rid.

We asked FLW's Clarets fan pundit Aaron Wright if he thinks Latte Lath would be a good signing or if his MLS form is of concern.

Aaron replied: "Everything about him worries me. When you go down as one of the MLS's worst ever signings, and then on top you look at his predecessor at Middlesbrough and how he got on last year?

"I know you shouldn't judge one player by another, but it doesn't exactly fill you full of confidence.

"I mean, [Chuba] Akpom did well under [Michael] Carrick, Latte Lath did well under Carrick, Akpom leaves and comes back to England and did he even touch a football for Ipswich last season? I really don't know.

"I don't know, but it's very Burnley to take a punt on a striker and hope it works. We seem to do it every single year. And, to be honest with you, our record isn't exactly brilliant; see Lyle Foster, Armando Broja, even Zeki Amdouni to an extent.

"We have no idea what he'd be like, so the best signing ALK have signed since they took over wasn't an out-and-out striker. It was Zian Flemming, which probably tells you a lot when it comes to scouting strikers.

"But no, he doesn't fill me with confidence one bit."

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While Latte Lath undoubtedly has some great attributes, Championship clubs should be cautious before committing significant money to sign him. His best football came under Carrick at Middlesbrough, with his expansive, possession-based style regularly created space and chances for the forwards.

That system played heavily to Latte Lath's strengths, allowing his pace and movement to shine. Outside of such an attack-minded setup, however, there are legitimate questions over whether he can consistently influence games. His hold-up play, aerial presence, and link-up ability have all been scrutinised.

It makes him less suited to sides that spend long periods without the ball. Unless a club expects to dominate matches regularly, there may simply be too many red flags to justify the investment. How Burnley look under Nicky Hayen is unclear yet, especially with so many question marks over other areas of the squad.