Burnley have signed midfielder Josh Cullen from Anderlecht on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Cullen began his career within West Ham’s youth academy from the age of nine years-old and made his senior debut in July 2015, as the Hammers defeated Andorra’s Lusitanos in the first leg of the First Qualifying Round of that season’s UEFA Europa League.
The Republic of Ireland international eventually went on to make 10 appearances for West Ham in total across three seasons between 2015-21 campaigns, as he enjoyed loan spells at Bradford City, Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic across that time.
His performances whilst out on loan failed to persuade various West Ham managers to give him proper first-team chances, yet caught the eye of Anderlecht who signed the midfielder in October 2020 and Cullen went on to score once in 77 appearances for the Belgian club.
During his time at Anderlecht, Cullen worked with manager, Vincent Kompany who this summer was appointed as Burnley’s new permanent manager with this move now reuniting the duo.
Speaking about his decision to return to England on a three-year contract at Burnley until June 2025, Cullen said: “I’m really happy. It’s been something that’s been going on for a couple of weeks now, so I’m just happy it’s all done and dusted. I’m looking forward to the new season now.
“The season will come around fast now. I can’t wait to get the shirt on in some of the friendlies, and then the main event kicks off in a few weeks’ time.”
Cullen also spoke about his time playing under Kompany as he described his performances under the Belgian as “…playing the best football of my career under him.”
Explaining what made him enjoy his time under Kompany further, Cullen added: “I love playing the style of play that he plays, and just all round I really enjoyed playing football for him so, of course he was a big factor in the move.
“It was a new experience for myself to go there and work under someone like the manager with the staff he has with him as well. They really put a lot of time, effort and investment into the players as well as the team.
“They try and develop players so for me, the two years I spent under him were fantastic. I felt like I learnt loads about the game and really developed my personal game as well.”
Kompany meanwhile is “delighted” with Cullen’s arrival – having known him from his time at Anderlecht as “… a hard-working and brave player, that will give everything for the team and the Club.”
On what Cullen will add to the Clarets’ midfield, Kompany added: “Josh is an intelligent midfielder, who is good on the ball and will help improve our side.”
Cullen is Burnley’s fifth permanent signing of this summer’s transfer window following the arrivals of; Scott Twine, Luke McNally, CJ Egan-Riley and Samuel Bastien, whilst Taylor Harwood-Bellis has joined on loan from Manchester City.
All six players could make their competitive debuts for Burnley away to Huddersfield in the 2022-23 Sky Bet Championship season-opener on Friday 29 July live on Sky Sports.
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