Player urged to snub transfer to Burnley – Take advice from Florian Wirtz

Werder Bremen youngster Karim Coulibaly has been urged to ignore interest from Burnley, and the Premier League in general.

The advice comes from director of football Tim Steidten, via DeichStube. He’s been speaking to the outlet today and offered up his advice to the 18-year-old.

Coulibaly is one of the rising young stars in the Bundesliga. He’s currently a first-team regular for Werder Bremen after making his debut in August last year.

He’s since racked up 16 appearances and impressed in most of them. That has already earned him Premier League attention too.

Burnley were named as suitors back in October. They even went on a special scouting mission to watch the youngster in action. In fact, their scout, Anri Kaca, was spotted in the stands alongside the centre-back’s father and agent Nochi Hamazor.

Werder Bremen later pushed away those rumours, insisting that nothing was going on. A report in December then had more suitors stepping up alongside Burnley. AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus were all said to be keeping an eye on the youngster as well.

A summer move is seen as likely, whether that’s to the Premier League or elsewhere. Steidten, though, would advise the defender to stay away from England.

Swerving Burnley presented as best idea

“If I were his agent, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it,” he said.

“I’d advise him to play another season in the Bundesliga. For me, it doesn’t make sense to go straight to the Premier League when you’ve only just gained your first professional experience.

“That doesn’t just apply to Karim; I wouldn’t recommend that to any player in general. We had a similar situation with Florian Wirtz, who could have gone to England earlier, and he also took another year.

“Of course, the Premier League is very attractive, but if you’re good, there will still be offers from England next year. Perhaps even from completely different clubs.”