MY ACCOUNT
Nathan Collins impressed for Burnley in the Premier League last season — and turned plenty of heads as a result.
Wolves and Leicester are among the defender’s biggest admirers with the Midlands outfits believed to be leading the race for his signature.
The Clarets’ relegation to the Championship has weakened their negotiating position and Vincent Kompany’s side may struggle to keep hold of the Irishman.
We take a look at Collins’ options this summer and why he is a man in demand ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Defending deep
Collins was called into action frequently as part of a Burnley side that was often on the back foot last term.
He is an effective defender in deep positions, completing 4.37 clearances per 90 minutes of league action and winning possession in the defensive third 4.21 times per 90.
The 6ft 4in centre-half, 21, is also imperious in the air, winning a commendable 3.18 aerial duels per 90.
That aerial ability is useful in the opposition area as well, with Collins proving himself a threat from set-pieces — scoring twice in 19 league appearances last season.
Tipped for the top
James Tarkowski, who has since swapped Burnley for Everton, heaped praise on Collins in May — hailing the youngster’s potential.
He said: “Collo’s been exceptional. You forget how young he is because he looks so old but he’s performed to an incredible level considering it’s his first season in this league.
“He’s got huge potential. He’s played a fair few games this year, way more than a lot of lads his age, and played really well.
“It’s still a learning experience for him, he’s still got time to improve and bring his game on, but the level he’s performing at now at such a young age, he can go right to the top for sure.”
Tracked by Wolves
Wolves are looking to bolster their backline this summer — and Collins is high on their wish list.
Bruno Lage’s men primarily fielded a back three last season, with Conor Coady, Max Kilman and Romain Saiss the usual first choices.
However, the latter’s departure leaves a gap in the squad that needs to be filled.
Collins appears to be a natural fit. Wolves remain an effective counter-attacking team and the six-cap international is more than comfortable in a deep block.
Leicester link
Leicester are also interested in acquiring Collins.
The Foxes are not short on numbers at the back with Wesley Fofana, Jannik Vestergaard, Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in their ranks.
But an injury crisis last season left them with only one fit centre-back, so Brendan Rodgers will be keen to add depth.
Furthermore, Soyuncu has just one year remaining on his contract and it is unclear if he will still be a Leicester player when the window shuts.
Rodgers’ side play higher up the pitch and look to keep the ball more than Burnley did last term, however.
So a move to the King Power Stadium may not be an ideal stylistic fit, unless Collins is able to rise to the more technical demands of playing in such a system.
Burnley stay?
Though unlikely, the possibility exists that Collins could choose to stay put at Burnley.
With Tarkowski out of the picture, the County Kildare native would certainly be a regular starter — and the Clarets will fancy their chances of returning to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Furthermore, Collins may well relish the chance to work with Kompany now that the Manchester City legend is in the Turf Moor dugout.
Burnley will hope their young star chooses to remain in Lancashire — but if not, they will certainly charge a pretty penny for their prized asset.
