Mohamed Daramy acknowledges that he was “close” to joining Burnley after speaking with Vincent Kompany, but ultimately decided to leave Ajax for Reims.
The former Copenhagen speedster could have been forgiven for thinking that his decision to sign with Stade de Reims in the summer of 2023, when clubs from both sides of the Channel expressed interest, was the right one considering that the team is currently sixth in the French first division.
Burnley’s goals are centered on staying out of the Championship rather than chasing the Champions League, while Reims wants to push their way into the European picture.
With three goals and five assists, Mohamed Daramy has contributed significantly to Reims’ last season of outrageous success, with highly regarded head coach Will Still making the most of yet another young, unpredictable player.
Nearly inked a £15 million deal Ajax’s Mohamed Daramy
This summer, there was a match between Burnley and Reims. The former Celtic target said to Tipsbladet, “In the end, I chose Reims,” relocating to France for a possible £15 million cost.
“To find out what ideas Will Still and Vincent Kompany had for me and where I saw myself, I chatted with each of them.
“Kompany was a really nice guy.” If I claimed I wasn’t considering moving there, I would be lying. Ultimately, though, I trusted my instincts. I deliberated before deciding on what I felt would be best for me.
“Kompany is a great coach, and he had a good understanding (of me). He also taught me some things about making choices because it was a difficult choice for me.”
After those Burnley meetings, Daramy—who found it difficult to establish himself at Ajax—left with a tremendous deal of respect and regard for Kompany.
The bright side, for Clarets supporters at least, is that despite their flaws, Burnley has plenty of promising young widemen in the style of Daramy, with Wilson Odobert and Luca Koleosho providing bright spots amid the ominous clouds hanging over Turf Moor.
thriving in France
“I spoke with (Kompany) quite a bit. Reims was my choice, I told him,” Daramy continues. Naturally, he would have preferred to have me, but when things didn’t work out that way, he wished me luck.
He also mentioned I may contact him if I needed to talk. Thus, he appears to be a decent man.
This month, Burnley acquired David Datro Fofana from Chelsea. They may yet try to sign Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye, who is valued at £15 million. His transfer status was been verified by the Ligue 1 powerhouses.
HITC Football has learned that Leeds United is also considering right-back Connor Roberts.
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