£2.7m Bristol City star ‘en-route’ to Burnley after transfer u-turn

Burnley are said to be in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Han-Noah Massengo, according to reports in France.

French newspaper L’Equipe claims that the Clarets are set to complete the signing of the 22-year-old in what would be a dramatic transfer u-turn from Massengo and his representatives.

It was reported by the same outlet earlier this summer that Massengo had rejected a move to Turf Moor, but now he looks set to link up with Vincent Kompany’s side who have had a winless start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

Massengo had reported transfer interest from numerous clubs, including Bristol City’s league rivals Leeds United, as well as Celta Vigo and most recently Turkish outfit Trabzonspor. A return to Monaco had been suggested also, having played against them whilst on loan at Auxerre, but now he looks set to remain in England, and get his opportunity of playing in the top flight of English football.

Massengo has been a free agent since the start of July after contract offer from the club had been received a response from his representatives. He penned an emotional message to Robins supporters, and now he could give his club one final gift, with Bristol City due to receive a larger amount of compensation should he move to another team from England.

It was reported by the Bristol Post earlier this summer that had Massengo joined a team abroad, then they would receive up to £260,000, but now they are likely to receive more because of a ruling by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

Football League rules are that when a professional player rejects a new deal in order to move to a different club on a 'free transfer' compensation is payable to the club that lost the player. Massengo joined from Monaco in the summer of 2019, and spent three-and-a-half seasons at the club, and so Bristol City can say they played a key role in his development.

Dan Chapman, who works for Leathes Prior Solicitors and helps clubs regarding compensation said to the Bristol Post in May: “Under the FIFA system, compensation will be approximately in the region of €300,090.

“Under a PFCC ruling one could expect Bristol City to be awarded not just substantially more compensation up-front, but also the benefit of future contingent payments.”

Should the move be finalised, then Burnley and Bristol City would enter talks over talks about compensation. It is a similar scenario to when Kane Wilson joined from Forest Green Rovers last summer, with the Robins paying a nominal fee to the League Two outfit.