Following relegation from the Premier League, Burnley will be looking to build a squad capable of taking them back to the top flight. The free transfer of Shurandy Sambo, following the expiry of his conract at Dutch champions PSV, is The Clarets first bit of business this summer window.
Who is Shurandy Sambo?
The Eredivisie champion is primarily a right back, however he is also capable of playing the left back role. After impressing for Jong PSV he was given his first team debut for PSV in 2021 against Utrecht. Due to limited playing time Sambo ended up going on loan to Sparta Rotterdam for the duration of the 22/23 season. After an impressive campaign which very nearly saw Sparta Rotterdam achieve European football; the right back returned to his parent club to challenge for a spot in the starting line-up in the 23/24 season. Unfortunately for Sambo, Jordan Teze was the main starter in the right back position for PSV, despite this Shurandy still got his hands on an Eredivisie winners medal at the end of the campaign.
Sambo in action for PSV
How important will Sambo be for Burnley?
Despite all the excitement for Burnley's first transfer window; it remains unclear if he has been signed to improve on Burnley's current right back options or to provide depth in the full back positions. The 1914 FA Cup winner's also are still yet to appoint a manager ahead of the 24/25 season which makes the clubs intentions with their new Dutch man even more unsure. Although there are uncertainties; it was very apparent throughout the duration of Burnley's most recent season that their full backs where a weak spot in the team, so much so that Welsh international, Connor Roberts, saw himself get loaned out to Leeds United. Despite a slight resurgance in form towards the end of the season; The Clarets will be very much aware that they are fully capable in improving on Brazilian full back, Vitinho and that could be their intention with this recent signing. Overall there is a lot of uncertainty looming over Turf Moor right now but a new signing offers a beacon of hope for the Burnley faithful as they prepare for a long season in the Championship
Pictured: Connor Roberts & Vitinho
Burnley's new signing can definitely expect competition this season
