Everton could regret Andros Townsend exit as he trains with Premier League rivals

Former Everton winger Andros Townsend is in training with newly-promoted Burnley after leaving Goodison Park when his contract expired, according to BBC Sport.

Townsend left Everton at the end of his contract, following a season completely ruined by injuries. The former Crystal Palace winger picked up a cruciate ligament injury in the Toffees visit to Selhurst Park on 20 March 2022, and he has not featured since.

If he joins Vincent Kompany’s side this season, Townsend could come back to bite Everton, as the club are currently lacking wingers with Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil the only wide-men currently on the books.

Townsend would also be a great fit for Sean Dyche, with his work rate and crossing ability key parts of the way the Everton boss sets out his game.

The decision to let him leave was understandable

Having been out of the game for a year and a half, the decision to let Townsend leave the club upon the expiry of his contract was certainly an understandable one. The state of his recovery and fitness is an unknown that can’t be accounted for when on big wages.

It should be said though, a fully-fit Townsend would’ve suited Dyche perfectly. A hard-working winger suited to playing in a 4-4-2 whose crossing is one of his best attributes, likely playing with Calvert-Lewin up top, it all makes so much sense.

He seems, on paper, less suited to Kompany’s Burnley side who, much like the manager’s former side Manchester City, prefer a high-tempo passing game. Townsend will contribute his experience, knowledge and work ethic to the side, and should hope to play as many minutes as possible on his return to fitness.

Everton fans will be hoping this decision doesn’t come back to bite them this season.

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Report: Burnley maintain youthful transfer policy with talented player

BURNLEY INVEST IN YOUTH WITH REPORTED DEAL FOR DORTMUND DEFENDER

Burnley have agreed a deal to sign Soumaila Coulibaly.

According to French publication L’Equipe, Burnley have struck a deal to bring Soumaila Coulibaly to the club from Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old comes to the Premier League having been on the fringes of the Dortmund squad that fell so agonisingly short of winning the Bundesliga title last season.

Should the deal go through, then he will follow Jordan Beyer, Dara O’Shea and Lawrence Vigouroux into the club this summer. Michael Obafemi’s loan switch from Swansea City has also been made permanent. Vincent Kompany has also struck a deal worth up to £19 million to bring goalkeeper James Trafford to Turf Moor. The 20-year-old has already had a summer to remember as his penalty saving heroics helped England to lift the under-21s European Championship.

Kompany has already shown in his time as Burnley boss that he has a good eye for talent, and Coulibaly’s arrival could be another smart bit of business.

Who is Soumaila Coulibaly?

The 6’3” centre-back is a product of the PSG academy, but signed his first professional terms with Borussia Dortmund. He quickly established himself as a regular presence in their academy side. He has also represented France at under-16 and under-17 level.

Coulibaly may come on loan initially, with an obligation to buy for a fee of around £13 million. This would represent a steep outlay, but Burnley have already shown a willingness to invest heavily in youthful talent and it is a policy that has served them well under Kompany so far. However, it has the potential to be the club’s undoing now they’re back in the Premier League and set to be facing fierce opposition every week.