Reasoning behind Burnley blocking transfer amid Swansea City interest revealed | OneFootball

Burnley did not favour a loan exit for striker Ashley Barnes during the January transfer window, explaining the Clarets’ decision to retain the forward beyond last night’s 11pm deadline.

Barnes was one player that looked set for a potential Turf Moor exit over the course of the January transfer window.

The Telegraph noted Swansea City’s interest in Barnes, amid the ongoing negotiations of Michael Obafemi’s eventual move in the opposite direction to Burnley.

However, by the end of the window Barnes had been retained by Burnley and no move had materialised.

The Athletic have detailed the reason for that, reporting that whilst Burnley had received interest in the striker from clubs, a loan deal was all that was discussed, which did not fit what the Clarets or Barnes wanted.

As a result, the 33-year-old’s exit never materialised and he will be retained until the summer, when his current contract is due to expire.

Barnes has made 21 appearances this season in the Championship, scoring two goals and registering two assists. However, only seven of those have come in the starting line-up, with Kompany’s squad now bolstered by Obafemi.

Burnley are top of the Championship table, 17 points clear of third after 28 games.

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The Verdict

You’ve got to give Burnley credit for their stance here, retaining Barnes and not finding themselves bullied into a transfer that didn’t suit them.

Moving the 33-year-old permanently would’ve been good for both club and player, yet that offer wasn’t there.

Rather than bending over backwards to please suitors, they’ve just retained the player, who will still have a useful part to play between now and the end of the season.

Burnley’s position in the table, with Premier League football almost guaranteed, helps such a bullish stance, but it still deserves credit.

Thoughts? Let us know!