Zian Flemming has revealed he had plenty of options during the summer transfer window before eventually completing his move from Burnley to Ipswich Town.
The Dutch striker attracted significant interest after scoring 11 Premier League goals last season despite Burnley suffering relegation.
Flemming ultimately remained in the Premier League by joining Ipswich, but has admitted he expected his transfer to be completed much earlier.
Lille and Ipswich battled for Flemming
Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, Flemming explained that finding interested clubs was never the problem.
“After a year like that, you expect to make a nice step,” Flemming said. “It came, but I had to wait a long time.”
According to the striker, negotiations proved difficult despite the amount of attention surrounding his future.
“There was a huge amount of interest, but it was about waiting for a club that really pushed through. It was between Lille and Ipswich. The market determined that it became Ipswich.”
His valuation appears to have played an important role in Lille eventually pursuing an alternative.
The French club signed former Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda for €15million after failing to reach an agreement with Burnley for Flemming. Ueda reportedly cost almost €5m less than the Dutch forward would have.
Flemming makes immediate Ipswich impact
Ipswich eventually won the race and Flemming has wasted little time making an impact at his new club.
The striker has featured twice and opened his Ipswich account against Crystal Palace.
After scoring 11 Premier League goals for relegated Burnley last season, Flemming now has another opportunity to establish himself at the highest level of English football.
Rather than dropping into the Championship following Burnley’s relegation, his late move to Ipswich has ensured his Premier League career continues.
Key Points
- Zian Flemming left Burnley for Ipswich Town during the summer.
- The Dutch striker scored 11 Premier League goals last season.
- Flemming says there was “a huge amount of interest” in his signature.
- Lille and Ipswich emerged as his two main options.
- Lille eventually signed Ayase Ueda for €15m instead.
- Flemming has already scored his first Ipswich goal against Crystal Palace.
What’s Next?
Flemming will now look to establish himself as an important part of the Ipswich attack. His early goal against Crystal Palace provides an encouraging start as he attempts to build on last season’s 11-goal Premier League campaign.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *