Burnley are still smarting from a £25 million mistake made two years ago. The Clarets rejected Wolverhampton Wanderers’ offer for winger Luca Koleosho in the summer of 2024 - and now regret it as they rebuild in the Championship.
What exactly happened with the £25m bid?
In July 2024, Wolves tabled a £25 million bid for the then-19-year-old Koleosho. Burnley dismissed it as non-negotiable, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Talovieri. The Clarets had paid Espanyol £2.6 million for Koleosho just months earlier, expecting him to shine in the Premier League. He made 15 top-flight appearances under Vincent Kompany, scoring once and setting up two more. But after relegation, his second-tier return under Scott Parker brought just two goals and no assists in 28 league games.
Why does this transfer sting now?
With Burnley languishing 19th in the Premier League on 22 points from 38 games - four wins, ten draws, 24 losses, recent form DLDLL - every penny counts. The Clarets’ goal difference sits at -37 after conceding 75 times. Their title race deficit to Arsenal stands at 63 points. Money from sales like Martin Dubravka’s free transfer to Tottenham and Jaidon Anthony’s £20 million move to Brentford is needed to plug the gap. Turning down £25 million for a player who barely delivered in the second tier now looks like a blunder.
Who’s left in the squad as Nicky Hayen takes charge?
The incoming head coach, expected to be Genk’s Nicky Hayen, inherits a bloated squad. Oliver Sonne, Jaydon Banel, Andreas Hountondji, Michael Obafemi, Aaron Ramsey, Shurandy Sambo, Oluwaseun Adewumi, and Koleosho all return from loans. Hayen must decide who stays and who leaves before the Clarets face Preston at home on 5 December 2026.
What’s next for Burnley?
The rebuild starts now. Hayen must cull the deadwood and rebuild a side capable of climbing out of the Championship. Koleosho’s future is uncertain after his disappointing return. Burnley’s next fixture against Preston looms large - a chance to kickstart their recovery after a torrid season where they shipped 75 goals and picked up just four wins.
