Johann Berg Gudmundsson sends emotional message to Burnley supporters after Saudi Arabia move | OneFootball

Burnley midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson has left the club to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Orobah.

Former Burnley midfielder Johann Berg Gudmundsson has issued an emotional message to Clarets supporters after completing a shock move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Orobah.

It has been an eventful summer for Gudmundsson, who was initially released by Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League, but after the departure of Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich and a chance meeting on a flight with owner Alan Pace, he signed a new one-year deal last month.

After returning to Turf Moor, Gudmundsson said that he was "extremely happy" to be back at a club that "means so much to me", but just 49 days later, he has departed once again, this time to join Al-Orobah.

Speaking on Thursday before Gudmundsson's exit was confirmed, Clarets head coach Scott Parker said the opportunity to play in Saudi Arabia may suit the 33-year-old at this stage of his career.

"It’s like anything, with the situation we’re in there will be some players who see the next part of their career [elsewhere]," Parker told the Burnley Express.

"If that opportunity suits Johann and it suits the club, then it’s probably best that happens and that could certainly be the case with Johann."

Gudmundsson scored on his final appearance for Burnley in their 5-0 home win over Cardiff City on Saturday, and the move brings his eight-year spell at the club to an end.

The Iceland international is the third high-profile departure from the club this week after Sander Berge and Anass Zaroury's moves to Fulham and Lens respectively, and there could be more to come, with Dara O'Shea, Manuel Benson and Wout Weghorst all attracting interest from elsewhere.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson reacts to Burnley departure

After his move to Saudi Arabia was announced, Gudmundsson reflected on his time at Burnley, admitting that he experienced both positive and negative times during his spell in Lancashire, and he sent a heartfelt goodbye message to Clarets supporters.

"Thank you for all the years," Gudmundsson said in a video posted on the club's official X account.

"There's been ups and downs with the team, personally as well I've had a few big injuries and maybe not been able do what I wanted to do on the pitch always.

"That was a tough part, but always when I came back they stuck behind me and they've just been amazing with me and my family.

"It's tough, but thank you for all the years, thank you for all the support and I'll see you again soon."

Scott Parker will be disappointed by Johann Berg Gudmundsson departure

While Parker said the move to Saudi Arabia is a good opportunity for Gudmundsson, he will no doubt be disappointed to see the midfielder depart.

It seems unlikely that Gudmundsson would have been a regular starter for Burnley this season, but he would have been a useful player to have in the squad, as he showed on Saturday when he came off the bench to score the fifth goal against Cardiff.

Gudmundsson has been an excellent servant to the Clarets, playing a key role in their years in the Premier League under Sean Dyche and in Vincent Kompany's Championship title-winning squad in the 2022-23 season, and supporters will wish him well on his new adventure.

It looks set to be a busy final week of the transfer window for Burnley, and while further exits are expected, Parker may also be keen to strengthen his squad before the deadline to replace some of those who have moved on.