Icelandic ace would '˜fit in really well' at Turf Moor

Icelandic international Johann Berg Gudmundsson will be a good fit for Burnley according to winger George Boyd.
Johann Berg GudmundssonJohann Berg Gudmundsson
Johann Berg Gudmundsson

The 25-year-old is on the verge of completing a £2.5m move to Turf Moor, which could rise a further £1m in add ons, and becoming boss Sean Dyche’s first signing of the summer after agreeing personal terms this week.

The right-sided midfielder, who is equally adept at operating as a playmaker in the number 10 role, is expected to seal his transfer from League One outfit Charlton Athletic when returning from holiday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Valley favourite, who netted six times while adding 11 assists to his resume last term in a side relegated from the Championship, played all but four minutes of his nation’s phenomenal Euro 2016 campaign.

Gudmundsson claimed an assist in the opening game of the tournament as Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men drew 1-1 with Portugal in Group F.

The former AZ Alkmaar player also featured in Iceland’s famous win over England at the Allianz Riviera in the knockout stages before the international minnows were beaten by hosts France in the quarter-final.

“I think there have been a few of the Icelandic players that have stood out,” said Boyd. “I think they all gave a great account of themselves and they all work hard. That’s something we like to do in our team so I think he’d fit in really well here.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The gaffer demands that work rate from everyone and that’s one of his main attributes so he’ll fit right in.

“He got a lot of assists last year at Charlton in a team that was struggling so he would be a good addition.”

Questioned on the importance of character and personality of new additions to the dressing room, Boyd added: “It’s very important. There’s a lot more money this year but if the player doesn’t fit in to the team then it’s not going to work.

“It’s important to identify that they can fit in to this squad because we have the same mentality from top to bottom. It’s brilliant.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Meanwhile, Boyd is hoping that it won’t be a case of ‘one in one out’ as Premier League champions Leicester City continue to monitor defender Michael Keane.

The former England under 21 international, inducted in to the Championship Team of the Year last season, recently rejected a new four-year deal at the club after the Foxes had a bid in the region of £11.5m knocked back.

The 23-year-old, who contributed to 20 clean sheets alongside Ben Mee at the heart of the Clarets defence during the title-winning term, still has two years remaining on his current contract.

Turn to page 63