Burnley FC would've driven price up if they knew how Birmingham City deal would pan out | OneFootball

In hindsight, Burnley should have been demanding more from Birmingham City for Lukas Jutkiewicz.

It's hard to argue about Burnley's transfer policy prior to the arrival of Alan Pace in 2020.

The club managed to pick up some great deals with Sean Dyche heading the side alongside his recruitment team. Names that stand out include Ashley Barnes, Nick Pope, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and James Tarkowski, who were all brilliant signings during Dyche's ten-year reign.

However, one player they let slip through their hands for a minimal fee was Lukas Jutkiewicz.

The now 35-year-old played for the Clarets from 2014 to 2017 but was sold to Birmingham City after a successful loan spell.

In hindsight, they should have demanded far more for the striker, as he has since gone on to have a key influence during a turbulent time at the Blues.

Lukas Jutkiewicz struggled at Turf Moor

Having netted eight goals in 20 appearances for Bolton Wanderers on loan from Middlesbrough, Burnley made a move for Jutkiewicz in the summer of 2014 and signed him for £1.5 million.

Being Premier League newcomers, it was going to prove a tough campaign, but it was hoped the former Swindon Town youngster would bring some much-needed goals.

Unfortunately, the move proved to be a major disappointment. Entrusted with leading Burnley’s attack in their opening nine matches, Jutkiewicz struggled to make an impact, failing to find the back of the net even once. The team’s fortunes reflected his form, as Burnley failed to secure a single win during that period.

Across the season, his presence diminished, with Dyche only offering him occasional minutes from the bench.

Relegated to the second tier, it was hoped the striker would ignite his Clarets career but a devastating cruciate ligament injury saw him ruled out for the majority of the 2015-16 season.

The following year he would return, but was quickly loaned out to Birmingham after it was deemed he needed to secure regular game time.

This would see him never feature for Burnley again, and he departed the club in January 2017 for a minimal fee of £1 million.

Jutkiewicz proved Burnley wrong

After impressing during his short loan spell, it was no surprise to see Birmingham secure a permanent deal for Jutkiewicz.

Over the next couple of years, he endeared himself to Bluenoses as he became a reliable source of goals. In his first two seasons, he found the back of the net a combined 18 times and had praise heaped on him for his incredible work rate and desire.

His best campaign came under Garry Monk in 2018-19 where he managed to net 14 and assist ten more, having played in all 46 Championship games. This saw him form a partnership with current Torino striker, Che Adams, and these two were pivotal in helping Birmingham avoid the drop after a nine-point deduction.

While his contributions have lessened in recent years, he has turned into a great leader and reduced his contract in the summer in order to play for Birmingham for one more season.

He will be hoping that this campaign will bring him some silverware with the Blues one of the favourites for promotion in League One.

Looking back, Burnley must admit that they handed Birmingham an absolute bargain. While his contributions at Turf Moor were limited, his performances at St Andrew’s have cemented his status as a modern-day legend for not only the Blues but the second tier. The £1 million fee will feel a bargain to one club, and a giveaway to the other.