Why Burnley should capitalise on the chance to sign Francesco Margiotta
According to Swiss outlet Zentral Plus via HITC (h/t Sheffield Star), Burnley have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Italian striker Francesco Margiotta, who is now a free agent following the termination of his contract with Swiss top-flight club FC Luzern.
Back in September, The Sun (h/t Lancashire Live) reported that the Clarets had lined up Margiotta as a cheap option to bolster their attack ahead of the international summer deadline. A move to Turf Moor never really materialised back then but with the 27-year-old now a free agent, Sean Dyche’s side could turn their attention to him once again if they look to sign a new striker in January.
Profile
Francesco Margiotta rose through the youth ranks of Juventus but he never made a first-team appearance for the Italian heavyweights, despite featuring regularly for the club at the youth level.
The striker spent time on loan at Carrarese, Venezia, Monza, Real Vicenza, and Santarcangelo in the lower echelons of Italian football before moving abroad with Lausanne Sport in the Swiss top-flight.
The 27-year-old eventually completed a permanent move to Lausanne and went on to register an impressive tally of 19 goals and 23 assists in 73 appearances. Margiotta then switched boats to join domestic rivals FC Luzern in 2019 and amassed 14 goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances before agreeing to a mutual termination of his contract.
Margiotta would add more depth to Burnley’s attack
Having plied his trade in the lower divisions in Italy before rising to prominence in Switzerland, Francesco Margiotta hardly has the profile to flatter potential suitors in the English top-flight.
The former Italy U-19 international might not tick the box as an upgrade on the likes of Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes, and Jay Rodriguez – all accomplished strikers in the Premier League – but he could still be a useful squad player for Burnley.
Matej Vydra has struggled to make a real impact in the PL following his move to Turf Moor from Derby County in 2018. Burnley should seriously consider cutting their losses on the Czech forward. That would free up enough room for them to accommodate Margiotta, who is certainly more than worth a punt for the Clarets on a free transfer.
Furthermore, Barnes had his fair share of struggles with injuries last season, so it would be a good idea for Dyche to dip into the market for some additional cover in front of goal.
Read more
- Why Adam Smith to Burnley would bolster their defence
- Why Burnley should offload Ben Gibson amidst interest
Verdict
Indeed, the fans might not be too thrilled to learn about Francesco Margiotta becoming a free agent, given his low-key profile in Europe. But snapping him up on a free transfer would still represent a shrewd piece of business for Burnley, and a real coup if the Italian hitman manages to make the grade in England. However, they wouldn’t have much to regret even if he fails, considering it’s only a free transfer.
