Burnley will be competing in the second division of English football after 13 years, for the first time since the 2008-09 season. The club have recently announced a new manager in Vincent Kompany, who has a big job to oversee. The Clarets have been dealt several blows following their relegation, with many star players leaving for better destinations, with the club also forced to sell some to raise money. Since the end of last season, the Clarets have lost Nick Pope, Ben Mee, Erik Pieters, Phil Bardsley, James Tarkowski and Aaron Lennon among many others, and if reports are to be believed, one more big name is set to depart Turf Moor in search of greener pastures this summer – Ivorian forward Maxwel Cornet is reportedly ready to leave the club and is waiting for a bid from a big club.
Cornet was signed from Lyon just a year ago and made an instant impact in the league. He scored within his first few games and put in solid displays in almost every outing. Cornet finished as the club’s highest goal scorer, scoring 9 goals in 28 appearances. His performances helped the club go on a good run briefly, but Burnley was always a sinking ship last season, as they just could not keep up with their rivals. The Ivorian’s efforts however did not go unnoticed and he garnered acclaim and praise from fans and pundits alike, and also caught the eye of several clubs in the league and across Europe.
Maxwel Cornet: Potential Suitors
Now with Burnley relegated, the bigger clubs are circling the Clarets to pick some of their better players, and Cornet is receiving attention from many clubs in the Premier League. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton are among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old forward. He has proved last season that he has the ability to perform in the toughest league in the world, and in a better team, he can give better output.
Reports from England suggest that Tottenham Hotspurs have dropped out of the race after confirming the signing of their newest arrival in Richarlison from Everton, leaving Newcastle, Chelsea, and Everton to fight it out. Chelsea have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphina, who has reportedly chosen Barcelona over the Londoners after the Catalans came in with a late offer in a bid to hijack Chelsea’s deal. As a result, the Blues could be looking at different options, and Maxwel Cornet could be a very cheap alternative to Raphina.
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Everton, who lost Richarlison to Tottenham will try to replace him, after receiving significant funds for the Brazilian. Frank Lampard is said to be keen to bring the Ivorian to Goodison Park and likes the player a lot. It is believed that the Toffees’ representatives have already made contact with the Clarets for a potential transfer, but there have been no concrete talks, and they are still considering all alternatives. Everton have already signed long-time Burnley defender James Tarkowski on a free, and it remains to see if they will return to Turf Moor for another player this summer.
Finally, Newcastle United have been boosted financially after the Saudi takeover, and after a strong finish, last season will hope to build on it. Eddie Howe will receive serious backing in the transfer market, and the Magpies have already shown their intent for next season with the signings of Burnley’s star player, goalkeeper Nick Pope, and defender Sven Botman from Lille. They are now looking for an attacking signing, and Maxwel Cornet is high on that list. Playing in the Championship is not something that appeals to the Ivorian international, and having already two players from Burnley (Chris Wood in January), Newcastle United could possibly be a very real destination for Cornet.
DENOUEMENT
The 25-year-old is waiting for a bid from a big club, but he could be forced to make a decision soon by the Burnley management, with squad building for next season in mind. The winger’s abilities, skills and talents are well known throughout the league, and there is no doubt he will improve any team he joins. There is a long list of admirers for Cornet and the forward’s decision will be eagerly awaited by many.
