Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni has made a trip to Basel to join Switzerland’s camp for the ongoing international break.
Last season, Burnley sent him on loan to Benfica with an option to buy. He managed 10 goals and three assists from 45 matches, but the Eagles didn’t make his stay permanent.
He attracted interest from the Bundesliga, and the Clarets had a chance to collect a decent fee from this sale.
However, a move didn’t go through because the striker suffered a cruciate ligament tear in July and underwent surgery.
Since then, the Switzerland international hasn’t played for Burnley or his country and has already spent over eight months on the sidelines.
Amdouni’s stats for the national team are as follows:
- Appearances: 27
- Starts: 13
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 1
He has already missed seven consecutive matches for his country, but his situation didn’t stop the player joining the Switzerland camp now.
Why Murat Yakin has called up Burnley man
That’s according to Blick, who say Switzerland manager Muart Yakin has unofficially called up Zeki Amdouni for this international break.
The attacker won’t be representing his country but took advantage of the trip to Basel to train with the national team.
He has already completed two individual sessions, and Yakin insists it’s not enough for him to take part in full training.
“It’s still too early for him to participate in team training,” he said.
In the current squad, Breel Embolo has scored more goals [23], followed by Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka [16] and Remo Freuler [11]. This indicates a lack of a backup attacker and Amdouni, who has 11 goals, can fill that void.
Yakin called up Amdouni to integrate him into squad and closely examine to get an idea about his fitness. This is mainly for the World Cup, and the manager is hopeful he’ll make it to the squad.
“We hope that he can use the next two months to get back into part-time playing time. He’s on the right track. We’re counting on him [for the World Cup],” Yakin explained.
What next for Swiss and Burnley
Zeki Amdouni had opportunities to leave the Premier League side last summer and doors could open again after this season.
He first needs to return to the pitch with Scott Parker’s side and not suffer more setbacks. The World Cup, if he makes it, will then provide another platform to showcase his worth.
If he and/or Burnley are no longer keen to continue together, a transfer, likely after the World Cup seems like the best possible scenario. His contract expires in 2028, with an option for another year, and Transfermarkt value him at €9m.
