Opinion: Burnley player’s situation is working out perfectly following QPR and Swansea City links | OneFootball

Burnley had no intention of letting Ashley Barnes go during the January transfer window, according to Vincent Kompany when speaking about the situation to Lancs Live.

This comes as a slight surprise considering the fact the Clarets not only kept Halil Dervisoglu at the club – but also strengthened their attack further last month with Lyle Foster and Michael Obafemi both sealing moves to Lancashire.

Those additions were arguably needed with Jay Rodriguez and Barnes both approaching their mid-thirties, with Kompany seemingly looking at the long term rather than just addressing their short-term requirements.

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In the short term though, with Obafemi not believed to be fully fit yet, the services of Barnes may still be needed with the latter starting the Clarets’ last league game.

Even when Obafemi is fit and ready to go, there are no guarantees that he will make an instant impact considering he initially struggled to settle into life at his former club Swansea City.

Making another long move again with the Irishman relocating to Lancashire, it may take him some time to adapt and that’s why reliable forwards like Rodriguez and Barnes could be crucial in getting the Clarets over the line if the former Swans’ forward can’t step up.

the South African has come in for a hefty deal believed to be in the region of €10m.

Having experienced heads in the dressing room like Barnes who can help to take the pressure off his shoulders could be extremely valuable, not just in the short term but also in the long term with Foster’s start to life with the Clarets potentially setting the tone for the rest of his time at Turf Moor.

Looking at Barnes’ situation from a selfish point of view, he may find his game time limited between now and the end of the season but he’s still been regularly involved this season, recording 21 league appearances during the 2022/23 campaign thus far.

And whilst there’s still a role for him, he should be looking to make the most of it with a player of his experience always likely to be valued by Kompany in the Championship.

It will be difficult to see him being wanted next season though with the Clarets likely to be in the Premier League, so the fact his contract runs out in the summer is something he should welcome.

Before he seals an exit though to secure more regular football, with Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City both being linked with a move for him, he needs to end his final chapter at Turf Moor in the perfect way by picking up a second-tier promotion medal.

By not leaving in January, he has the opportunity to finalise some unfinished business with his current team and then has the chance to move on in the summer. Things are certainly unfolding perfectly for the 33-year-old.