Three signings to help Burnley prepare for Europa League football

By Josh Challies

Burnley are set for a historic campaign in the 2018-19 season, as Sean Dyche’s side prepare to make their Europa League debut.

The Clarets excelled in the Premier League last term, finishing seventh behind English football’s big six, and tackle Abderdeen in a two-legged affair in the second qualifying round, before having to overcome two more stages if they are to qualify for the group stages.

That means Burnley have a stern task ahead of them in what could be a gruelling campaign this season and the Clarets need to secure further additions to help them prepare for Europa League football – and these three players are perfect.

Jack Grealish – Aston Villa

The 22-year-old Aston Villa ace has endured a turbulent few years despite his young age, forcing himself back into Steve Bruce’s squad after early criticisms of his behaviour and shaking a bad-boy reputation that threatened to limit his development.

Grealish is now a crucial player for defeated play-off finalists Villa, making 30 Championship appearances last season and scoring three goals, along with contributing a further six assists. In the wake of Aston Villa’s financial crisis, he could be offloaded to raise funds.

The Mirror claims Grealish’s value has been reduced down to £20 million, half Villa’s initial £40m valuation, and that is certainly an affordable price for Dyche’s side and would present the opportunity for profit in the coming years.

(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Josip Drmic – Borussia Monchengladbach

Capped 32 times by Switzerland and scoring ten goals, Drmic has a decent record at international level but has never quite managed to find his footing in club football, spending the past few years floating around Germany.

Bild state 25-year-old Switzerland international Josip Drmic could be allowed to leave for as little as €5 million this summer, presenting a bargain for Burnley, although Dyche may have to fend off some Premier League rivals for his services.

Entering the final year of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, Drmic would present a bargain for Burnley in the market and Dyche will hope he can rekindle the form that saw him net 17 goals for FC Nurnberg in the 2013/14 Bundesliga season.

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Denis Cheryshev – Villarreal

There is always at least one player who catches the eye at the World Cup, seemingly from nowhere, and one of the surprise packages in Russia has come from the host nation’s ranks in the form of winger Denis Cheryshev – who scored four goals in Russia’s run to the quarter-finals.

Remarkably, that is the same number he secured across all competitions for Villarreal last season in 31 appearances – of which only 11 came as a starter. It could mean that the Yellow Submarines are open to a sale and Cheryshev would be a bold option for Burnley.

With the offer of potential Europa League football and more regular first-team appearances, Burnley could lure the 27-year-old to England and take advantage of his rising stock following sensational World Cup displays.