All News

Craig Bellamy in advanced talks with Burnley to become new manager

Craig Bellamy is in advanced talks with Burnley to become their new manager, potentially leaving his role with the Wales national team.

Current Wales manager Craig Bellamy is in advanced talks to become Burnley's new manager ahead of next season. The Clarets have approached the Football Association of Wales to appoint Bellamy as Scott Parker's successor, and the 46-year-old is now in contract talks with the Championship side. While a final agreement has not yet been reached, talks have accelerated in the last 48 hours with significant progress.

BBC Sport revealed on April 30 that Bellamy was a leading candidate to replace Parker following his sacking. Early indications were that Bellamy would prefer to stay with Wales to lead them through the European Nations Championship in 2028. However, Bellamy is now seriously considering leaving the FAW and is engaged in talks with Burnley.

The former Manchester City, Liverpool and West Ham winger was appointed Wales manager in 2024. Wales failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout defeat in Cardiff. Bellamy's contract was due to run until 2028, including the European Championships which will take place in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

A possible move to Burnley would see Bellamy return to Turf Moor for a second time, having previously worked as assistant manager under Vincent Kompany before his move to Bayern Munich. Bellamy was briefly appointed interim manager following the Belgian's move to the Bundesliga club, but left shortly afterwards.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Burnley are willing to meet the compensation clause in Bellamy's contract with the FAW. However, Bellamy's departure would be a blow to the governing body, which had hoped the 46-year-old would remain at the helm after he indicated a preference to stay. “Everything is in place, I have full support and it will give me the opportunity in the next two years to improve further,” Bellamy said before his team's 1-1 draw against Ghana in Cardiff on 2 June. "Connections? I understand, but I don't look too far ahead. I love what I have here.

"I've also been offered it elsewhere, but I already have this one here. Wales gave me that opportunity and one or two might not have because I was aware I had never coached before. Wales gave me this opportunity and I am very grateful. I'm ambitious, trust me. I want to make lots and lots of money, but there's a time and now, right now, doesn't feel like that time."

Among the candidates to succeed Bellamy, should he leave, are former Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Swansea City manager Steve Cooper and former Wolves manager Rob Edwards. Cooper was left without a job after leaving Danish club Brondby earlier this year, while Edwards was sacked by Wolves just weeks after the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.

Related Articles

26 Jun 2026

Benevento looking for offensive reinforcements: first contacts for Ruocco from Mantova

Benevento seeks to strengthen its attack after promotion to Serie B, focusing on Francesco Ruocco from Mantova.

26 Jun 2026

Cyle Larin scores his second FIFA World Cup™ goal, giving Canada the lead against Qatar

Cyle Larin's goal allows Canada to take the lead in their match against Qatar during the FIFA World Cup.

26 Jun 2026

Ajax signs the young Moroccan defender

Ajax have reached an agreement with Fouad Zahouani, a young defender from Union Touarga Sportif, who will join Jong Ajax.