Leeds United target Oliver McBurnie wants to prove his worth while playing for his parent club Swansea City in the top tier of English football. According to recent reports, the on-loan Barnsley forward wants to stay and fight for his place at the Liberty Stadium amidst speculation linking him with a move to Elland Road.
The Leeds-born centre-forward will play his final game for the Tykes on Sunday afternoon versus Derby County in what could prove to be the match that decides whether Barnsley can stay up or suffer the agony of being demoted to League One. McBurnie has scored 8 goals in 15 matches in the league for the Tykes and has been in sensational form during his time at the Oakwell. His excellent contributions have seen him getting rewarded with the club’s player-of-the-year award last weekend.
McBurnie’s desire to play in the English top-flight will come as a big blow for the Peacocks who are interested in securing his services this summer. However, the ball is in Swansea’s court and the decision to give him a shot next season will depend on whether they fancy him. If not, then there might be a chance for Leeds to finally land their long-term target ahead of the new season.
In a recent interview, McBurnie addressed his future and was quoted to have said, “Of course, it has always been a goal. I have got another year left at Swansea and we will sit down and see what the best options for me are.
“Whether it is staying at Swansea or going out elsewhere. “But, at the minute, all I am focusing on is Barnsley and on looking to keep Barnsley in this division. “The summer feels miles away and we will cross that bridge when we come to it and see what happens.”
The West Yorkshire outfit have a total tally of 57 points after 45 gameweeks in the second tier of English football and find themselves in the 14th position in the league table. Paul Heckingbottom needs to bring in a few quality players this summer if his team are to challenge for a promotion spot next term.
The addition of McBurnie will undoubtedly bolster Heckingbottom’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The Peacocks have the likes of Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Kemar Roofe and Caleb Ekuban vying for a place in Heckingbottom’s starting eleven. The potential acquisition of McBurnie will definitely add more competition for places and improve their squad significantly in the off-season.
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At 21, the Scottish forward has immense potential to grow and develop into a top-class striker in the English top-flight. However, only time will tell whether he can cope with the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League and cut the mustard at the Welsh club. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of McBurnie and whether he ends up making a switch to Elland Road in the near future.
