Burnley's pursuit of Chelsea's Armando Broja for a reported £20 million raises several interesting questions, not just about Chelsea's squad reshaping, but also about Burnley's tactical intentions and the financial structure that would make such a deal viable. Is Broja the right fit for Vincent Kompany's vision at Turf Moor?
The first issue is Broja's fit within Burnley's tactical system. Last season, Burnley primarily utilized a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing quick transitions and pressing high up the pitch. Broja's strengths lie in his physicality, pace, and ability to run in behind defenses. These attributes align well with a team that likes to play on the counter-attack. However, questions arise about his link-up play and ability to hold the ball up, aspects that are crucial for a lone striker in a 4-3-3 or as part of a front two. Data from his loan spells at Southampton and Fulham indicates a relatively low pass completion rate compared to established Premier League forwards, suggesting a need for improvement in this area.
Looking at similar transfers, Dominic Solanke's move from Liverpool to Bournemouth serves as a cautionary tale. While Solanke possessed similar attributes to Broja, his lack of consistent goalscoring hampered Bournemouth's progress. Burnley will need to ensure that Broja receives adequate service and support to maximize his potential. A crucial factor here will be the other attacking options Burnley brings in. If they can add players who complement Broja's skillset, the transfer could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.
The financial implications of this deal also merit consideration. A £20 million outlay for a player who has struggled for consistent game time and suffered a significant knee injury represents a notable investment for Burnley. Given Burnley's recent relegation from the Premier League and immediate promotion, financial prudence is paramount. The contract structure will be crucial. A heavily incentivized deal based on appearances, goals, and Premier League survival could mitigate the risk for Burnley, aligning Broja's personal success with the club's objectives. This is especially vital, considering Chelsea's recent sales, including Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth for £25 million and even Noni Madueke to Arsenal for a reported £48.5m, showing the market values attacking talents.
Furthermore, the length of the proposed five-year deal needs scrutiny. While it provides Broja with stability, it also commits Burnley to a long-term financial obligation. What if Broja fails to adapt or struggles with injuries? A shorter initial contract with an option to extend based on performance could be a more pragmatic approach. The data would indicate that Chelsea would want to recoup some of their investments into Broja which might suggest that a long contract would be preferred.