Opinion: Burnley should consider 27-year-old to bolster midfield contingent this summer

Burnley are in a tricky predicament heading into the financial minefield that is the Championship.

The Clarets gave a great account of themselves in six seasons in the top-flight where they consistently overachieved with one of the smaller budgets in the division.

Parachute payments will aid their transition back into the second tier, but with certain players not wanting to play in the division and a new manager still yet to be announced, it could be a difficult window to negotiate regardless.

The Clarets were operating with one of the thinner squads in the Premier League last season, with an even more congested league schedule in the second tier, they will want to bolster the fringes of the group and increase competition for places heading into the new campaign.

One player, who represents enormous value in the market, who would fit nicely into their squad is Josh Laurent.

The 27-year-old was instrumental from the centre of the park as Reading finished seventh in 2020/21 and he still made some vital contributions for the Royals in an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign.

In the absence of a new managerial appointment, it is difficult to pinpoint what system is going to be deployed and what style of play is going to be implemented at Turf Moor next season.

However, Laurent’s skillset is so well-rounded that he should be able to adapt to a new manager’s expectations.

The former Shrewsbury Town man is most effective as a more box-to-box midfielder in a traditional number eight role, but he can operate well in a double-pivot or with further responsibilities in the final third.

It is very hard to predict what Burnley are going to look like on the pitch, heading into the first game of next season, however Laurent would be a great place