David Prutton says Burnley would miss CJ Egan-Riley if his mooted move to Strasbourg goes ahead this summer.
According to Alex Crook, the defender has agreed to a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 club, which comes as his contract with the Championship team expires.
Egan-Riley was an important component of Scott Parker’s club as they won automatic promotion to the Premier League this season.
The centre-back appeared 41 times for the Clarets, who conceded only 16 goals throughout the season and finished second in the table behind only Leeds United.
Burnley’s CJ Egan-Riley regrets
Prutton has stated that Burnley may regret losing Egan-Riley this summer if his transfer to Strasbourg goes through.
He is astonished by the player’s decision to turn down the opportunity to play in the Premier League, but believes that playing for the French team is still an appealing prospect.
“I would say Burnley would regret [losing him], he’s been a massive player for them,” Prutton told Football League World exclusively.
| CJ Egan-Riley’s defensive stats 2024/25 – per Fbref.com | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stat | Per 90 | ||
| Tackles | 1.50 | ||
| Interceptions | 0.90 | ||
| Blocks | 0.97 | ||
| Clearances | 4.97 | ||
| Aerials won | 1.80 | ||
“After a fantastic season in which they have been at their miserly best at the back, I believe a five-year contract is an enormously appealing prospect.
“Being able to work with Liam Rosenior is a really appealing idea, and Strasbourg is stunning, so there are a lot of boxes to tick.
“I would be a little surprised given the fact he’s got a crack at the Premier League, obviously it’s not the be all and end all, but it’s one of the most important places to play football.
“I’d be astonished; it’d be a huge coup for Strasbourg.
“Maybe they can’t compete with the finances, maybe that’s the reason for it, but I’m sure Burnley would sorely miss him.”
CJ Egan-Riley joined Burnley from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, but this was his breakout season at Turf Moor following loan spells with Hibernian and PSV Jong.
Losing CJ Egan-Riley for nothing is a major blow.
Egan-Riley was an essential part of Burnley’s defence, so Parker will be disappointed to lose someone so important.
The fact that he is going for nothing is the real blow, as attaching a reasonable fee would make it a deal the club could accept.
Egan-Riley did well in the Championship, but it’s questionable whether he would’ve been good enough for them in the Premier League.
If they had received an eight-figure payment for him, they could have reinvested that money in finding a replacement, but they will now have to use their own resources to find someone to take his position.
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