Burnley think twice about striking summer Leeds United deal after announcing Ex-Man United as Head Coach
Leeds United’s reported interest in Connor Roberts presents Burnley with a dilemma ahead of a critical summer at Turf Moor.
According to The Athletic, the Whites are keen on signing the Wales international this summer after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Elland Road.
Roberts swapped Lancashire for Yorkshire in January and went on to make 15 appearances in all competitions, helping Leeds to finish third in the Championship and reach the play-off final, which they ultimately lost to Southampton at Wembley.
Leeds keen to sign Connor Roberts
With the Whites preparing themselves for a second consecutive season in the second tier, Daniel Farke has reportedly identified Roberts and fellow loanee Joe Rodon as his main defensive targets this summer.
But while Rodon appears to be surplus to requirements at Tottenham, Roberts’ future could depend on whoever succeeds Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor.
The Belgian was Bayern Munich’s surprise choice to replace Thomas Tuchel and left Burnley just weeks after the Clarets were relegated at the end of his second season in charge.
Kompany’s assistant Craig Bellamy has been named acting head coach, but a host of other names have been linked with the vacancy, including Frank Lampard, Steve Cooper, Scott Parker, Marti Cifuentes, Carlos Corberan and Alan Pardew.
Burnley returned to the Premier League in Kompany’s debut campaign after romping to the title in the Championship with 101 points, sweeping aside everything in their path and clinching promotion with seven matches remaining — a new record.
But their sojourn in the top-flight was short-lived, as they won only five games, accumulating just 24 points last term and were relegated along with fellow newcomers Luton and Sheffield United.
Between the relegation and Kompany’s departure, a sense of uncertainty has hitherto dominated proceedings at Turf Moor this summer and their Championship rivals could try and exploit the state of flux.
Last week, The Athletic reported Burnley have accepted that relegation will come with significant departures with four to five players expected to be sold as they feel they “should be playing or have indicated they want to be at a higher level than the Championship”.
And while Roberts is understood to be considering his options, selling a seasoned international with a bevy of Championship experience under his belt could be a risky strategy for Burnley, even more so should they allow the 28-year-old to join a direct promotion rival.
The 55-cap Welsh international knows the Championship inside out after playing 185 games in the division and played a key role in Burnley’s promotion in the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 43 league appearances.
Roberts remained a regular starter in the Premier League until he lost his spot in Kompany’s starting XI in October and was subsequently allowed to leave the club on loan in the winter transfer window.
