Burnley have had a dream Premier League 2017/18 campaign after finishing 7th in the table. They fought hard throughout their season and qualified for the Europa League 2018/19, which for the club and Burnley fans is no less than a dream come true.
The Sean Dyche-managed side were expected to battle at the bottom half of the table, but they exceeded everyone’s expectations after they finished in the Europa League spot by winning 14 games. They drew and lost 12 times each, but they were expected to do worse.
The tightly-knit Burnley squad surprised many with their dedication, their defensive awareness, and their will to not lose games in their stunning Premier League campaign.
But to go on a dream Europa League run, and to match the ‘raised’ expectations next season in the Premier League, they need some additions to the squad; players who can handle big game pressure and improve the current squad.
We take a look at the 3 players who could boost Burnley’s squad and give them a chance to repeat the same next season and go on a dream Europa League run.
#1 Yaya Toure
The Manchester City legend is one of the greatest midfielders to grace the Premier League. Yaya Toure is a free agent now after completing his tenure at Manchester City.
He has the passing range with impeccable accuracy to destroy any team in the world. The Ivorian would provide this Burnley side the experience which is needed to control big games and unlock the tactics of the opposition.
Goals always come when Toure plays, and with his ability to hit the dead ball, the 35-year-old would definitely bring a freshness in Burnley’s attack as well as in the heart of their midfield.
The only stumbling block could be the high wages that Toure was earning at his time with the Premier League champions.
#2 Xherdan Shaqiri
With Stoke City getting relegated to the Championship, the Swiss international might be tempted to join Burnley with a solid offer on the table. Shaqiri’s technical ability is top class.
His stint at Bayern Munich was unfortunate but he did show the audience the skillset he possesses. He was a star player at FC Basel and displayed what he can do week in and week out during his time at the Swiss club.
His flexibility to play anywhere in the final third shows his quality and the gifted footballing brain he has. Shaqiri’s injury record might be a worry for Sean Dyche though but the Swiss’ talent is enough to look beyond his frailties.
The Swiss would bring the attacking flair which the current Burnley squad lacks, and his tireless work rate would take Dyche’s squad to the next level.
#3 Salomon Rondon
Salomon Rondon is a goal threat which Burnley lack and they definitely need someone with the calibre of Rondon to fulfill their ‘Europa Dreams’ next season. Rondon has previously played and scored in the UEFA Champions League for his former club Zenit St. Petersburg.
His goalscoring record might have taken a tumble in the last couple of years but that is all because of the defensive football which West Brom used to play in the Premier League.
With the club now relegated to the EFL Championship, Rondon would surely get lured in by adding a new experience to his CV. And with the physicality and experience he has, there is no doubt that he would settle down very quickly at Burnley.
The Venezuelan skipper would give the current Burnley squad plenty of goals and, given the fact that they have not scored much in their dream season, Dyche would love to add a goal threat with the qualities that Rondon possesses.
The 28-year-old could be a masterstroke that Dyche would want to pull off and given Rondon's skills, he would surely jump ship to play in the Europa League and in the Premier League.