Dodi Lukebakio insists it was ‘not difficult’ to reject a return to the Premier League with Burnley once Spanish giants Sevilla came calling.
Having played only one league game during his time at Watford in 2018/19, the Belgium international may have felt that he had a bit of unfinished business in England.
But, even if that was indeed the case, any interest Dodi Lukebakio had in sealing a move to Burnley waned once he picked up the phone to the reigning Europa League holders.
“Because (Sevilla) showed interest,” Lukebakio tells Marca, explaining why Burnley were pipped to the post for a deal that appeared almost done at one stage this summer.
“When a club like Sevilla shows interest, of course you have to listen. So we talk a lot. You don’t have to think so much because it is a top-level club and that is what I want, to play, to show myself, to improve as a young player.
“It was not difficult to choose Sevilla.
“When we spoke, I was watching a lot of videos on YouTube,” Lukebakio adds. “For example, when they won the last Europa League.
“In January, there was also interest and I have been following Sevilla. Not everything, but I know a lot of things about Sevilla. I watch a lot of football.”
Lukebakio, who once scored a Bundesliga hat-trick against Bayern Munich and impressed as even as Hertha Berlin were relegated last term, has already set about repaying Sevilla’s £8 million investment with a goal on his La Liga debut against Las Palmas.
Burnley, at least, can console themselves with the dazzling displays of a player shining in what may have become Lukebakio’s left-wing role at Turf Moor, 19-year-old Luca Koleosho staking his claim to be crowned the summer’s best bargain signing with another stand-out display in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Koleosho’s race car speed and ballerina balance helped assist Zeki Amdouni’s brilliant first-half opener.