Why Burnley should make a move for Omar Elabdellaoui
According to reports in Greece (h/t Lancs Live), Burnley have been linked with a move for Olympiacos defender Omar Elabdellaoui ahead of the summer transfer window.
Elabdellaoui, 28, came through the youth ranks of Skeid Oslo’s youth system and joined Manchester City’s U18 side in the summer of 2008. However, he failed to break into City’s senior team and was sent on several loan spells before moving to Greece in 2014.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad, except for half of the 2016/17 season when he played for Hull City on loan. He was part of Olympiacos’ squad which finished second in the league last season.
Burnley’s season so far…
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche has done an excellent job in the past few months, managing to take his team to the top half of the league standings after an unconvincing start. After losing 12 out if their first 22 games, Burnley have managed to take at least one point in each of their last 7 games, going unbeaten.
One of the areas where they have improved in the latter stages is the defence. After conceding 37 goals, the Clarets have shipped in just 3 goals in the last 7 games. Ben Mee and James Tarkowski have been impressive in the last few months.
However, on the right extreme of the backline, both Mathew Lowton and Phil Bardsley have failed to claim the spot for themselves. While Lowton has featured in 15 games so far, the latter has made 14 appearances.
Thus, the manager should look to add competition to this position by bringing in reinforcements and Olympiacos’ Elabdellaoui would be a good choice for the Clarets.
Elabdellaoui has been a regular member of the Greek Champions and has helped his side to the top of the league table this season. And with his contract coming to an end in the summer, Burnley should make a move for him.
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The Norwegian international already has experience in English football which would help him settle in the Premier League easily. He has also made 44 appearances for his country. This sort of experience would make him a valuable addition to Dyche’s squad. His inclusion would also bring in a healthy competition to Lowton and Bardsley for the right-back spot.
Verdict
At 28, the former Manchester City man has a few more years to play at a higher level and with Burnley he can prove a point in the Premier League. With Bardsley already 34, it is high time the Clarets brought in cover. Thus, making a move for Elabdellaoui would be a wise decision.
