The transfer of CJ Egan Riley from Burnley to PSV Eindhoven at the conclusion of the January transfer window was made possible by the persistence and hard work of Earnest Stewart, the technical director.
Stewart ‘managed to convince’ the player to make the transfer, according to Eindhovens Dagblad, which Soccer News cited.
After failing to make an impression at Burnley this season, Egan Riley signed a contract with PSV on loan until the end of the season at the close of the January transfer window.
The player’s decision to join PSV’s Jong team instead of the first team was somewhat of a surprise, although Eindhovens Dagblad maintain that this was always the intended course of action.
They clarify that Stewart had maintained communication with the defender for a considerable period and successfully persuaded him to transfer to PSV by the end of the transfer window. Stewart presented the idea that the defender could gradually start with the youth team, having the opportunity to progress into the first team in the near future.
This plan faced a setback as Egan Riley couldn’t immediately secure a work permit, preventing his participation with the squad until now. Fortunately, the work permit has now been granted, allowing him to train with the team on Thursday morning.
There’s optimism that he might be included in Friday night’s match against FC Emmen, but PSV is cautious and won’t take any unnecessary risks, possibly holding him back until Monday’s clash with MVV.
Regardless, the Burnley player is now eligible, bringing positive news for everyone involved. The lingering question revolves around whether PSV will ultimately exercise the purchase clause in his current loan agreement.