According to a recent source, Burnley are already trying to add a new defender but are up against competition from many Premier League rivals.
Burnley are now looking to acquire a new defender, but they are facing competition from numerous Premier League rivals, a recent source claims.
However, it has proven to be a tricky start to the new season, with defeats to Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United leaving them in the bottom three and winless in the top flight.
Time may well be needed for Kompany to get the best out of his current squad, but with the January transfer window fast approaching, it looks as if the club are already looking at potential additions for the second half of the campaign.
According to TEAMtalk, Burnley are one of five Premier League sides who are exploring a move to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykola Matviyenko, with the player’s representatives looking at possible options.
Alongside those at Turf Moor, Crystal Palace, Everton, Sheffield United and West Ham are also keen on the defender.
: Who is he?
Although he can also play as a left-back or right-back, Matviyenko is primarily a center-back. He now has a career-high €20 million Transfermarkt valuation, indicating that he is at the top of his game.
The 27-year-old advanced through the Shakhtar Donetsk youth before making 175 senior appearances and helping the team score an astounding 22 goals.
According to FBref, the left-footed Ukrainian international has made a strong impression in the past year, placing well for passes completed, clearances, and passes blocked.
According to journalist Andrew Todos, Matviyenko is a “composed and experienced center-back” who can play in either a back four or a back three.
“Matviyenko is a calm, seasoned center-back who exudes confidence, even while playing with younger teammates. He has more speed than the usual center-back because he began his career as a full-back, which helps him a lot in recovery situations.
He avoids making reckless tackles that could lead to penalties or bookings, and one of his best qualities is stopping crosses or shoots that are headed for the g
He is versatile and excellent at playing balls over the top and out from the back.
“In my opinion, he can play in a formation with three defenders and be world-class. In a back four, he ought to be paired with a strong defender who can support him. Although he excels as a centre back, his best performances came when he was a part of a back three and partnered with wingers.
You may argue that Matviyenko may not be required because Kompany now has six choices for centre backs in Jordan Beyer, Hjalmar Ekdal, Ameen Al-Dakhil, Dara O’Shea, CJ Egan-Riley, and Hannes Delcroix.
In contrast, if Burnley sees the player as an improvement at the defence after giving up 13 goals in their first five games, they may try to push through a transfer, making this one to watch out for in 2024.
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