Burnley appears on the verge of completing a significant £10 million deal for Montpellier defender Maxime Esteve, marking a transformative move for the centre-half from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. The negotiations between the clubs are in the final stages, and the impending deal is expected to see Esteve don the Clarets’ jersey, bringing his talents to Turf Moor.
Vincent Kompany, Burnley’s manager, openly discussed the transfer during his Tuesday press conference, acknowledging the undeniable interest in Esteve. Kompany emphasized that while the Frenchman is not currently a Burnley player, the situation is likely to change very soon. The seasoned manager’s transparency sheds light on the club’s eagerness to secure Esteve’s services.
Sources indicate that Burnley is set to finalize a deal worth £10 million for Esteve. The agreement is structured as a loan initially, with an obligation-to-buy clause incorporated into his Turf Moor contract. Esteve is anticipated to sign a four-year deal with Burnley, indicating a long-term commitment to the club. The terms of this arrangement have been agreed upon in principle, paving the way for the completion of the transfer.
Esteve’s arrival is poised to fortify Burnley’s defense, particularly in addressing statistical concerns, as the team currently holds the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches, Esteve is renowned for his aerial prowess, promising to bring a new dimension to the Clarets’ backline.
Montpellier coach Michel der Zakarian provided insights into the impending deal, indicating that an official announcement is expected at the beginning of the week. Esteve, a 21-year-old homegrown talent, recently made what seems to be a farewell appearance for Montpellier during a 0-0 draw with Lille. Der Zakarian expressed his desire for Esteve to stay but acknowledged the possibility of his departure, emphasizing the need for a suitable replacement.
In addition to the imminent deal with Esteve, Burnley is reportedly in pursuit of Coventry City talisman Callum O’Hare. The Clarets have made an offer for the talented midfielder, who draws comparisons to Jack Grealish. O’Hare, formerly of Aston Villa, was a target for Burnley before suffering a significant knee injury in 2022. The potential acquisition of O’Hare aligns with Burnley’s ambition to strengthen their squad across various positions.
As the transfer window deadline approaches, Burnley’s proactive approach in the transfer market signals their determination to bolster the squad and improve their standing in the Premier League. The Esteve deal, along with the pursuit of O’Hare, reflects the club’s commitment to strategic recruitment and building a competitive team for the challenges ahead.
