Why Burnley should move for Paddy Lane with an eye on the future
According to Football Insider (h/t Burnley Express), Premier League side Burnley are tracking non-league side Hyde United’s teenage forward Paddy Lane.
However, the Clarets aren’t the only team looking at the 19-year-old, with Sheffield United also interested. In addition, National League clubs Stockport County, Altrincham, and Farsley Celtic are also keen and have already triggered his five-figure release clause. (h/t Burnley Express)
Profile
A product of the Hyde United academy, Paddy Lane burst onto the club’s first-team scenes in the 2018/19 campaign, impressing with two goals and four assists in 19 games, which was followed by a return of eight goals and three assists in 38 matches 2019/20. (h/t Hyde United official website)
The teenage attacker had started the 2020/21 campaign on a strong note, scoring three goals in nine games, before the Northern Premier League was suspended due to lockdown last month.
Following that, Lane joined Farsley Celtic, one of his current suitors, on a month-long loan deal. During his time at the club, the 19-year-old set up four goals in five games.
Burnley need feasible attacking reinforcements in January
Burnley are one of the financially worst-hit clubs due to the coronavirus, which restricted their transfer activity to a great extent this past summer. Indeed, manager Sean Dyche did not make a single high-profile signing, while the club also lost a few players after failing to renew their deals.
Given the small squad at the manager’s disposal and the precarious position that they find themselves in the Premier League table, it is imperative that Burnley strengthen their ranks in January. At the same time, they must also look at economical options due to the financial difficulties.
This is where Lane would enter the picture. The 19-year-old can play in multiple positions in the final third and has been in good form so far. Considering the fact that he has just a five-figure release clause, he ticks the ‘feasible option’ box for the Clarets.
With Burnley scoring just six goals – the least by any club in the league, adding another source of goals, in the form of Lane, can be beneficial. Besides, given his age, the Englishman would represent a long-term investment for the club.
Read More
- Why Nathan Holland would be a smart signing for Burnley in January
- Why Burnley should plot cut-price Adam Smith swoop in January
Verdict
Burnley need to bolster their attack in January after a dismal start to the campaign. And given their financial woes, someone like Lane, who wouldn’t cost much, and has shown immense potential in the lower divisions, can be an option worth looking at.
