Burnley manager Scott Parker has suggested that defenders Hjalmar Ekdal and Hannes Delcroix may seek loan moves this January due to limited playing opportunities.
Both players have struggled to feature in the Championship squad following recoveries from long-term injuries.
Lack of Game Time
Despite making his comeback as a substitute during Burnley’s FA Cup victory over Reading, Ekdal has yet to secure a start this season. Delcroix, meanwhile, was an unused substitute in the same match. This scenario has raised questions about their roles in Parker’s plans, especially with the defensive positions currently occupied by CJ Egan-Riley, Maxime Esteve, Joe Worrall, and John Egan.
“They want to try and play some minutes, and it’s a position in our squad that we are pretty stacked in terms of defenders, so there may be an option there,” said Parker.
Parker acknowledged the quality of both players, expressing a desire to retain them but admitting their need for regular football could necessitate temporary exits.
Potential Loan Moves
With the January transfer window in full swing, Parker remains open to discussions about their immediate futures. “Both players really have the quality to play football. They are very, very good players,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of balancing squad depth with individual player needs.
The Clarets continue to evaluate their roster as they aim to maintain momentum in their Championship campaign, following a hard-fought 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading.
Hjalmar Ekdal and Hannes Delcroix
Central defender Hjalmar Ekdal began his professional career with IK Frej in 2018. He later played for Assyriska FF, Hammarby IF, and IK Sirius before joining Djurgårdens IF in 2021. In January 2023, Ekdal signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Burnley FC, keeping him at the club until June 2027. Internationally, he made his debut for the Sweden national team on June 9, 2022.
Haiti-born Delcroix, also a central defender, moved to Belgium at a young age. He joined RSC Anderlecht’s youth academy in 2013 and made his professional debut with the club in 2018. In August 2023, Delcroix signed a three-year deal with Burnley FC. On the international stage, he debuted for the Belgium national team on November 11, 2020.
Writer’s View
The potential departures of Ekdal and Delcroix on loan highlight the depth of Burnley’s defensive options. While their exits could provide them with valuable game time, Parker must ensure that the team remains well-covered in defence as the season progresses. This pragmatic approach shows Burnley’s commitment to player development without compromising their Championship aspirations.
