Burnley Owner Nears Stake Purchase in Spanish Club Espanyol

Burnley has shown interest in Lazio centre-forward Taty Castellanos, who has been a key contributor with 14 goals and eight assists this season. Despite interest from several Premier League clubs including West Ham United, Wolverhampton, and Nottingham Forest, Lazio rejected Burnley’s approach, valuing Castellanos at no less than €40 million and expecting his development under manager Maurizio Sarri. Castellanos joined Lazio in 2023 and is contracted until 2028. Separately, Burnley’s owner, Alan Pace, is in advanced negotiations to acquire a stake in Spanish club Espanyol, aiming to establish a multi-club sports operation. This investment would align Burnley with a growing trend of Premier League clubs investing in Spanish teams to gain preferential access to young European and South American players, leveraging Spain’s ties to South America and favorable player registration rules. Espanyol, owned by China’s Rastar Group, has been on the market since their relegation two years ago but has since been promoted and retained their La Liga status.