Strasbourg's French defender Mohamed Simakan controls the ball during L1 football match between Lorient (FC Lorient ) and Strasbourg (RCSA) at at Le Moustoir Stadium in Lorient, western France on August 23, 2020. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Burnley have identified Mohamed Simakan of Strasbourg as a target for the January transfer window. AC Milan and West Ham were the two other clubs interested but West Ham ended up signing Craig Dawson instead.
Born in France to parents of Guinean descent, Mohamed Simakan spent time at several lower-division clubs like Vivaux Marronniers, FC Rouguière, JO St. Gabriel, and Air Bel, as well as at Olympique Marseille at the youth level. He eventually joined Strasbourg’s academy in 2017 and enjoyed his senior breakthrough in Ligue 1 during the 2018-19 season.
Simakan made his professional debut for Strasbourg against Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League last year. He went on to feature 19 times in Ligue 1, starting 17 games.
The 20-year-old has continued as a regular starter for Strasbourg this term, playing the full 90 minutes in each of the club’s first seven league fixtures so far (source – Transfermarkt).
Essentially a centre-back by trade, Simakan has also showcased the versatility to slot into a right-back role. He is widely regarded as one of the best rising talents in the French top-flight.
It’s true Burnley have one of the best centre-back pairings in the league. The duo of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski are as close it gets to classic no nonsense defending. They are the foundation on which Burnley have pushed through in the Premier League so far.
Problem is that the club doesn’t have adequate replacements for them. Kevin Long is the only other senior center-back while Jimmy Dunne and Bobby Thomas are academy players. Add to that Ben Mee and Long are ageing and you can see the requirement for a young and talented defender to partner Tarkowski.
Simakan has impressed everyone over the last season and continues to do so this season as well. He is one of the most promising defenders to come out of Ligue 1 in recent years. Capable of playing as a right-back if needed, it would be an added bonus for Sean Dyche.
While Burnley don’t have any glaring issues in defence, it is just good sense to sign a player with so much potential. He can be a long term solution to any problems that may arise in the future.
