Burnley enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign under Sean Dyche, finishing 7th to book a spot in the Europa League play-offs. The Clarets made a remarkable return to Europe after a long 51-year absence. The seventh-place finisher in the Premier League earns a place in the second of four qualifying rounds for the Europa League, with the first leg of the same scheduled to be played on 26th July.
Now that Burnley are back in Europe, it means just one thing – Sean Dyche is going to need more firepower or in other words, he’s going to have to make some signings to strengthen the depth of the squad. The club have been linked with West Bromwich Albion duo Craig Dawson and Jay Rodriguez.
The Baggies scored a measly 31 points in the league to finish at the bottom of the Premier League table to get relegated to the Championship. Since Darren Moore took charge of the club from Alan Pardew, the club oversaw a turn in form but the manager’s efforts went in vain as they were not enough to save the club from the drop. Darren Moore was also selected as the Manager Of The Month just hours before his team was officially relegated.
A drop to the second tier means that a number of Baggies’ leading players might look to leave the club in search of Premier League football. The Baggies have already lost Jonny Evans to Leicester City and Darren Moore will be anxious over the other players’ future.
Burnley have reportedly offered £25m to sign the duo. Jay Rodriguez enjoyed an impressive start to his career with Burnley, representing the club from 2007-2012, making 105 appearances and scoring 31 goals. The 28-year-old striker began his football journey with the Clarets. A return to the club almost seems as though fate is playing it’s part here.
The 28-year-old striker made 37 appearances this season, scoring 7 goals and providing 1 assist. He is certainly experienced when it comes to competing in the Premier League, having also spent 5 years with Southampton, making 104 appearances for the Saints. Burnley could certainly add a third striker to support Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.
Craig Dawson is also one of the few West Brom stars this season that enjoyed a decent campaign. The centre-back has been at the club since 2010 and has become one of the Baggies’ most influential players.
He was a part of a strong partnership with fellow centre-back Jonny Evans this season. The English defender made 28 appearances in the league this season and is widely known for aerial prowess and strength. He also carries a certain goal threat, as he scored 2 goals in the league this past season.
Both Dawson and Rodriguez, aged 28, still have many years ahead of them and a move to Burnley would give them a chance to play in Europe. This will surely be a tempting offer, one that would be hard to decline. Burnley need them as much as the players need a new club. Sean Dyche should certainly go ahead and sign the duo.
