Kiki Kouyaté has explained why he joined Royal Antwerp this summer, turning down the chance to play in the Premier League with Burnley “despite their best efforts” to secure his signature.
The 28-year-old centre-back arrived from Montpellier after evaluating several offers, including one from Qatari side Al-Sadd. While Burnley’s approach offered the lure of English football, Kouyaté opted for what he believes is a stronger long-term sporting project in Belgium.
Sporting Project Beats Premier League Appeal
Burnley’s interest came amid their push to bolster a defence likely to be tested heavily in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Yet Kouyaté — who previously played in Portugal, France and with Sporting CP — saw Antwerp’s ambitions as a better fit for his career development.
The Mali international signed a three-year deal with the Belgian champions, joining a side that will compete in Europe this season.
Player Quote
Speaking to Africa Foot, Kouyaté outlined his reasoning in detail:
“Antwerp has a solid sporting project and is one of the top teams in Europe. I am motivated to fully commit, share my experience, and contribute to the club’s success. My agent and I took the time to study all the offers. Antwerp’s project seemed the most coherent for my development. I’m here for three years and ready to take on the challenge.” — Kiki Kouyaté
Career Snapshot
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 12 | 0 |
| Troyes | 22 | 1 |
| Metz | 56 | 3 |
| Montpellier | 45 | 2 |
Kouyaté’s experience across multiple European leagues gives Antwerp a physically dominant, aerially strong centre-back heading into continental competition.
Analyst Verdict
Kouyaté’s decision underlines how the Premier League’s pull isn’t universal — particularly when weighed against guaranteed European football and a stable role at a title-chasing club. For Burnley, missing out means turning to alternative defensive targets in the final weeks of the window.
From a tactical standpoint, Kouyaté’s composure in possession and reading of the game make him a natural fit for Antwerp’s controlled build-up approach.
Key Insights
- Kouyaté rejected Burnley and Al-Sadd for Antwerp.
- Signed a three-year deal with the Belgian champions.
- Cited Antwerp’s “solid sporting project” as decisive.
- Brings experience from Portugal, France and Mali’s national team.
- Burnley now seeking alternative defensive reinforcements.
What’s Next
Kouyaté will link up with Antwerp’s squad ahead of their domestic opener and Champions League qualifiers. The Belgian side will expect him to slot straight into the starting XI, offering leadership at the back.
Burnley, meanwhile, must move quickly to address their defensive needs, with just weeks left in the transfer window and Premier League survival already a pressing concern.
Did Kouyaté make the right call prioritising Antwerp’s project over the Premier League stage with Burnley?
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