Burnley are actively scouring the free agent market for a new striker following the deadline day departure of Zian Flemming to Ipswich Town. The Championship club, currently 23rd in the table with two points from four games, are looking to bolster their attack after scoring just five goals so far this season.
Manager Nicky Hayen confirmed the search is underway. "The club are now scouring the free agent market for new signings," he said. The Burnley Express reported this week that the recruitment team has compiled a list of eight realistic targets who are currently without a club.
Several experienced forwards are under consideration. Ghanaian international Jordan Ayew, 34, brings extensive Premier League experience from spells at Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Swansea City, and Leicester City. Former Italy striker Andrea Belotti, 32, is also available after leaving Cagliari. He scored over 100 goals in seven years at Torino before a serious knee injury last season.
A familiar face could also return. Danny Ings, who scored 43 goals in a four-year spell at Turf Moor, is a free agent after leaving Sheffield United. The 34-year-old, a three-time England international, has been linked with Hibernian but remains an option. Another former Real Madrid academy product, Dani Gomez, scored nine goals in the Spanish second tier for Real Zaragoza last season.
Spanish international Joselu, 36, is looking for a new club after leaving Al-Gharafa. He played on loan for Real Madrid in the 2023/24 season and scored six times in 17 appearances for Spain. Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, a 30-time France international, is also a free agent after his contract with Monterrey ended.
German forward Cedric Teuchert scored 10 goals in two years at St. Louis City in MLS and has a strong record from two spells at Hannover. The most notable name on the list is Jamie Vardy. The 39-year-old former Premier League title winner with Leicester City left Cremonese at the end of last season after scoring seven goals in 29 games and is now focusing on his post-playing career.
The search comes at a critical time for Burnley. They sit eight points behind league leaders Swansea and have a goal difference of minus five after conceding 10 times in four matches. Injuries to key players like Jordan Beyer and deadline day signing Reo Hatate, have further complicated Hayen's plans.
Despite a busy deadline day that saw the arrivals of Igor Julio, Reo Hatate, and Largie Ramazani, Flemming's exit created a specific need. The club's current standings position adds urgency to the recruitment drive. Fans can track any new additions via the official squad list.
Hayen and his staff will assess the available options before potentially making a move. Any new signing would need to integrate quickly ahead of a challenging Championship campaign. The immediate focus is on the next fixture, an away trip to face 11th-placed Wrexham on September 8th.
Burnley's recruitment team continues to work behind the scenes to identify the right profile to help improve their attacking output in the coming months.
