Burnley rejected deal for two-time Premier League winner after refusing to pay him more than £60-a-week
Share this @internewscast.com

What if we told you Michael Essien could have been a Burnley player if the club were willing to pay him £60-a-week?

Not £60,000. Just £60. That’s not a typo.

Chelsea fans have fond memories of Essien, but he could've been a legend at Turf Moor

3

Chelsea fans have fond memories of Essien, but he could’ve been a legend at Turf MoorCredit: Getty

Essien will be remembered for a glorious Chelsea career, which established him as one of the great midfielders of his time.

The Ghanaian superstar won two Premier League titles, one Champions League, four FA Cups, and one League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

By the time he left in 2014, the £24.4million paid to sign him from Lyon in 2005 was considered a bargain.

But Burnley snubbed the opportunity to sign him for free just six years earlier.

In 1999, Essien had just starred for Ghana’s youth team at the U17 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals.

During his trial with the Clarets, who played in the third tier of English football that summer, he made a strong impression. However, a peculiar club regulation prevented them from signing him.

In 2009, former Burnley chairman Brendan Flood said in The People: “I discovered Michael Essien had been on trial here for a few days.

“One of the best players in the World Cup – and we hadn’t signed him.

“The club policy meant we wouldn’t pay an apprentice more than 60 quid a week.

“It smacked me in the face that the problem was a lack of communication within the club that stopped our youth guys making an exception to the rule.”

Essien's hardworking and tough-tackling nature would have made him very popular at Burnley

3

Essien’s hardworking and tough-tackling nature would have made him very popular at BurnleyCredit: Getty

Instead, Essien joined French club Bastia, and then Lyon, where he rose to prominence.

By 2005, this talented midfielder had already secured two Ligue 1 titles and earned the French top flight’s Player of the Year honor, leading to his move to Chelsea as a record-breaking signing for the club at that time.

In the following season, the 23-year-old Essien was awarded the club’s Player of the Season, surpassing notable teammates such as John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba.

He ended up earning around £100,000-a-week at Chelsea, just a cool £96,940 more than Burnley were willing to pay.

Nowadays, Essien is part of the coaching staff at Danish club Nordsjælland.

talkSPORT caught up with the now 42-year-old during his appearance at Soccer Aid last year.

Essien returned to Stamford Bridge in 2024 to play for the World XI at Soccer Aid

3

Essien returned to Stamford Bridge in 2024 to play for the World XI at Soccer AidCredit: Getty

Essien provided the lowdown on Ghanaian countryman Mohammed Kudus, the subject of increasing transfer speculation this summer.

Tottenham lodged their £50m bid for Kudus last week, but it was swiftly turned down.

The 24-year-old has made it clear he wants to make the move from East to north London, but West Ham are hoping for a rival offer from Chelsea.

When asked how he rated Kudus, Essien said: “Very high, very high.

“He’s got everything to be at the top, he’s a good footballer – he’s got everything to be a top, top, player.”

Watch all of the FIFA Club World Cup free on DAZN. Sign up now so you don’t miss any of the action.

*Clicking on a DAZN link in this article may earn talkSPORT affiliate revenue

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Gary Neville Highlights ‘Terrible’ Incident That Suggests Man United Players ‘Could Be Questioning’ Ruben Amorim’s Strategy Following ‘Absurd’ Choice – as Chances of Sacking Increase

Gary Neville has criticized under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim for making a ‘ridiculous’…

Leaked: Germany’s 2026 World Cup Home Jersey Pays Tribute to Iconic 1990 Design

Germany’s home kit for the 2026 World Cup has leaked online –…

Cocaine Dealer Responds to Alleged Ban from NRL Club’s Locker Room Amid Victor Radley Drug Controversy

Convicted drug courier Aaron Macey has hit back after he was reportedly…

England’s World Cup Champions Aim for New Heights, Highlights ALEX BYWATER – RFU Launches Merchandise Right After Historic Final Victory

John Mitchell isn’t normally one for grand shows of emotion. As he…

Russell Martin Steps Up to Emulate Rangers’ European Success Amid Local Challenges

In the four months since he first took charge at Rangers, Russell…

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler’s Anticipated Clash as the World’s Top Two Players Turns Sour Due to Ryder Cup Burnout, Says OLIVER HOLT

Rory McIlroy confidently made his way through the tunnel beneath the towering…

Former Nets Co-Owner and Democratic Fundraiser Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Assault

Arthur ‘Artie’ Rabin, a notable apparel entrepreneur and supporter of the Democratic…

DAVE BASSETT: The Frustrations of Today’s Football – From Deceptive Pundits and Slow Play to VAR Issues and ‘xG’ Analytics. Here’s My Solution to Revitalize the Game!

One of the enduring figures in English football, Dave Bassett, is feeling…

Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears unimpressed while observing his Nice team suffer a defeat – only a few months after the Man United co-owner mentioned that he ‘doesn’t enjoy’ attending the French club’s matches.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe cut a glum figure as he watched Nice lose…

Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest: Former Man United player Antony nets late equalizer after Igor Jesus scores twice – Ange Postecoglou’s team shines in their first European match in nearly three decades

Just when it seemed the Ange Postecoglou era was up and running…