Espanyol winger Lluc Casell is very close to becoming a new Burnley player as the collaboration between the two sides gets underway.
La Grada report that the 19-year-old youth product is set to move to Turf Moor to continue his development in England.
Espanyol Burnley connection
According to the outlet, Burnley are closing in on a loan deal for the 19-year-old. Although a small transfer fee with a buy-back option could also be agreed. The latter would be better for Espanyol as it would aid their struggling finances.
The move has come about thanks to the new sporting relationship between Espanyol and Burnley thanks to owner Alan Pace. He took ownership of the Spanish side last year.
Reports in Spain since have indicated that the plan has long been for an arrangement between the two clubs. It would see players regularly move between each. The hope is to capitalise on either side’s needs to accelerate the development of youth talent.
Lluc Castell will be the first to benefit from it. He is one of the most promising players in Espanyol’s youth system and made his debut in the first team of the final day of the season last season.
Championship development
La Grada describe him as an attacking midfielder capable of operating between the lines who stands out for his ‘confidence on the ball’. His ability to link up with teammates and ‘remarkable reading of the game’ are also highlighted. Those are qualities that have made him a key player for the reserve side over recent season.
His current deal runs until 2027, with an option of an extra season included. But he is now set to head to the Championship instead. At Espanyol they believe that gaining playing time and building up his physical strength in the Championship could accelerate his development.
While he is departing, another player could be arriving. According to La Grada, Quilindschy Hartman is set to join Espanyol from Burnley in the coming days. That would be another deal that highlights the close collaboration between the two clubs.
