Burnley Football Club have confirmed that Luca Koleosho, the exhilarating 20-year-old winger, has joined RCD Espanyol on loan for the season. The American-born forward is heading back to Spain, where he began his professional football career before signing for Burnley in 2023. For Burnley, the loan move gives one of their best young talents to get regular game time, while for Espanyol, it is the return of a player they know has the capacity to perform at the La Liga level.
Let’s take a closer look through this article at the 96 official website, who Luca Koleosho is, where he has been, and his record, stats and performance at Burnley Football Club.
Who is Luca Koleosho?
Luca Warrick Daeovie Koleosho was born September 15, 2004 is an attacking midfielder from Norwalk, Connecticut, USA. He is known for his explosive pace, dribbling, and versatility along the front line.
Koleosho began playing in youth setups with Trumbull United in Connecticut and was later with the Manhattan Kickers (NY). By the age of 12, he ventured to Spain, where he was initially developed at Reus (2016–2020) before joining the academy of Espanyol in 2020 before 21.
He debuted in first-team football on May 22, 2022, against Granada in La Liga. He appeared as a substitute in the game against Almeria on June 14, 2023, which ended in a 3-3 draw, where he scored his first senior goal to date. He previously played for the United States at the U15 age group before his switch to Italy at both the U19, U20, and U21 teams. Technically, his most significant achievement as of 2023 was being part of the Italy U19 squad that won the UEFA European Championship in Malta in 2023.
Also Read: Where to Watch Burnley vs Sunderland Live Streaming in India & Other Countries
Luca Koleosho: Stats & Performance at Burnley
Burnley acquired Koleosho from Espanyol on a four-year deal in July 2023. While his signing was viewed as a long-term investment, and he showed glimpses of his potential, injuries and competition for places limited his game time for the rest of the season.
He featured for Burnley in 15 Premier League games in the 2023-24 season before suffering a knee injury in December 2023. He returned the next year to help Burnley in the Championship while they pushed for promotion. By April 2025, he had made 43 league appearances and scored 3 goals in a Burnley shirt.
You can visit the 96 app for more updates related to Burnley FC season tickets or Burnley Betting.
What to Expect from Him at Espanyol
A good move for both the player and the club, the shift to Espanyol is broadly viewed as the right decision.
Burnley manager Scott Parker said the club couldn’t guarantee Koleosho a start week-in and week-out this season, which is why a loan was the best option. In his words, Koleosho said he was “very happy to be back home,” clearly indicating he wants to play regularly and show all he has learned and improved since leaving Catalonia.
The winger is well-acquainted with Espanyol, having progressed through the organisation’s academy and having already played for the first team. His ability to play off either wing while stretching defences and creating opportunities will add versatility to Espanyol’s attack.
Conclusion
At the age of 20, Luca Koleosho has played in La Liga, the Premier League, and internationally with Italy’s youth set-ups. His loan deal back to Espanyol is not just a return; it is a chance to further develop his game with continued game-time at the highest level.
For Burnley, this deal guarantees the development of a player that they still hold in high regard. For Espanyol, it effectively adds an exciting winger who can contribute now. And for Koleosho, it gives him the chance to demonstrate to everyone that he is still one of the best young wide players in Europe.
As the 2025–26 season gets underway, both Burnley and Espanyol fans will be watching closely as Koleosho takes his next opportunity, which could define the next chapter of his career.