Burnley FC urged seal potential "masterstroke" transfer deal for Morgan Whittaker alternative | OneFootball

FLW spoke to their resident Burnley pundit about their pursuit of Sontje Hansen.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

After missing out on Morgan Whittaker, Burnley have turned their attention to N.E.C Nijmegen's Sontje Hansen.

It looked for much of this window as if Scott Parker's side would manage to finally sign the Plymouth Argyle forward, but Middlesbrough swooped in and secured a £5 million deal for the 24-year-old.

This has forced them to look elsewhere and it is now understood they are pursuing a deal for Hansen.

According to Anthony Joseph, the Clarets are looking at a loan with an obligation to buy in the summer for a fee of around £3.5 million.

The Dutch forward was a graduate of Ajax's academy and is currently at Nijmegen, where he has scored 11 goals and assisted eight since arriving in 2023.

If they manage to finalise the deal before February 3rd, the hope is that Hansen will strengthen their attacking options and bring some much-needed creativity to a side that has struggled in front of goal.

Burnley urged to bring Sontje Hansen to England

To get a Turf Moor point of view on the potential addition of Hansen, Football League World spoke to their resident Clarets pundit, Will Lancaster, who admitted that while unsure about him, Burnley needed reinforcements.

"It is a weird one," said Lancaster.

"He has had such a good career at Ajax and the same at Netherlands youth level, but it is just whether he has really kicked on.

"With Whittaker having that Championship experience and that proven talent at this level, I don't know whether it is a downgrade or an upgrade; he is an unknown quantity.

"Sheffield United and Leeds have both reportedly been interested in the past, so it is in the ballpark of where we are as a club. At least it is denying them the opportunity to sign him.

"At the end of the day, it is a new wide man, which we have needed. Luca Koleosho doesn't get minutes anymore, Jaiden Anthony impresses some weeks and fails to deliver others, and Jeremy Sarmiento has struggled for those starts in the first team. So, it would be a nice little boost to a squad which is flatlining up front.

"We have seen in recent weeks, goals aren't flowing, aside from against Plymouth.

"£3.5 million isn't breaking the bank, and he is evidently a good young talent, having been so prolific in his youth career. While that potential hasn't been filled, it could still be a masterstroke from the board."

Scott Parker needs attacking reinforcements

Parker has come under criticism for his languid style of play, but whether he has the tools to play more dynamically going forward remains unclear.

This campaign they aren't actually creating many opportunities, with their expected figure ranking 20th in the league and their big chances created at 21st. For a team targeting promotion, this just isn't good enough, and ultimately they need a player who will provide for those around them or score the goals themselves.

Whether Hansen is the solution remains unclear, but securing him on loan with an obligation to buy would at least allow them to assess his impact before committing fully.

But, as Lancaster alluded to, they have to get deals done before the window slams shut next Monday and if the 22-year-old is their final option, they should pursue him to the end.