Oxford United player Cameron Brannagan in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Oxford United and Coventry City at Kassam Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Oxford, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
According to a report from Shields Gazette, Premier League outfit Burnley are interested in signing Oxford United central midfielder Cameron Brannagan in the summer transfer window.
Brannagan is a product of the Liverpool youth academy. After having had a loan spell at Fleetwood Town in 2017, the 23-year-old made the permanent switch to Oxford United in January 2018 in search of regular first-team football.
The English midfielder has been brilliant for the U’s this season. So far in 2019/20, Brannagan has made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring 7 goals and setting up 6, helping Oxford to third place in the League One table.
Meanwhile, Burnley have had another middling campaign, that sees them sitting comfortably in mid-table, away from the relegation zone. However, they are in with an outside chance to qualify for the UEFA Europa League given that they are just four points below sixth-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sean Dyche has done a solid job once again, given how less the Clarets invested during the transfer window. However, Burnley should strengthen their squad in the coming summer if they are to achieve further progress in the upcoming seasons.
The central midfield department is something that Dyche and Burnley should look to reinforce before next season. The first-choice central midfielders for the Clarets, Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood, are both 30 and there is little in terms of depth beyond the two.
Jeff Hendrick has been utilized on the flanks or as a secondary striker by the manager of late. And while the club did sign Josh Brownhill in January, there is still a lack of quality depth in the centre of the park. Moreover, none of the central midfielders in the squad is known for goalscoring abilities, which is something that the club should address.
To that end, adding someone like Brannagan would make a lot of sense for Burnley. The 23-year-old has displayed his ability to contribute with goals and assists at Oxford United this season, which would be more than handy for a Burnley side that has managed just 34 goals in the league this term.
Moreover, Brannagan’s signing would also provide manager Dyche with additional options to rotate his troops more effectively, allowing the squad to stay fit and fresh. The move would also ensure added competition within the squad, which would only benefit the Clarets.
Burnley’s lack of options in midfield beyond Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood is concerning. And hence, it is pivotal that the Clarets should add to their midfield contingent before next season.
Cameron Brannagan has been one of Oxford United’s best players this season, with a 7.07 rating on WhoScored.com. Signing him would help add Burnley some much-needed depth in the middle of the park and help improve the overall quality of the squad.
