Koleosho returns to Espanyol: Key reinforcement from Burnley, heading to the World Cup?

Espanyol has finalized the incorporation of Luca Koleosho, former U.S. youth international, through a one-season loan from Burnley, a Premier League team. Koleosho, 20 years old, returns to the team based in Barcelona after two years in England. The winger initially joined Espanyol’s youth system in 2020, playing six games for the first team before signing for Burnley in a €3 million deal in 2023. This is the first agreement between the two clubs since the Burnley ownership group, which includes American businessman Alan Pace and former NFL player JJ Watt, announced their intention to take over Espanyol. Both Pace and Watt were present last weekend when Espanyol began their LaLiga campaign with a surprising 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, although the acquisition is still pending final approval from the Spanish Superior Sports Council (CSD). A crucial year is expected for Koleosho, born in Connecticut, with the World Cup around the corner and the forward eligible to represent the United States, Canada, Italy, and Nigeria at the international level. After having previously played for the United States at the youth level and having been part of the training camps with the senior Canadian national team, he has represented Italy since 2023, participating in the European Under-21 Championship this past summer for the Azzurri.

However, he has not yet played an official match with Italy and both the United States and Canada are still watching the young man’s situation, as they prepare to host the World Cup next summer. Koleosho had an electrifying start to his career under Vincent Kompany at Burnley, playing 15 Premier League matches before a knee injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. He returned to physical form last season, playing 30 matches as Burnley returned to the Premier League under the management of Scott Parker.