As breakthroughs go, Oliver Burke’s 31 appearances and six goals for Nottingham Forest couldn’t have gone much better.
The young Scot had come through the academy at Forest, signing a professional contract in September 2014 and making his debut the following February.
His meteoric rise at the City Ground, however, attracted plenty of interest and in August 2016 Burke signed for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for a reported £13 million – a record fee for a Scottish player.
A year later, having helped Leipzig to runners-up position in the league, he returned to England by signing for West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £15 million.
In the three seasons that have followed, Burke has only a handful of Baggies outings and has been sent out on loan twice to Celtic and Alaves.
And now, at still only 22, the Spanish side are looking to complete a transfer for his services after being impressed by his performances this season.
But with six clubs on his fledgling CV, some Forest fans firmly believe there’s no place like home and that it’s time for Sabri Lamouchi’s upwardly mobile side to get him back.
Here’s what they have been saying:
Jeremy Newport: “He was amazing for us. Such a talent. If we keep cash let’s have Burke back.”
Steve Barnes: “I would have him back on loan, with reasonable price option to buy.
“Let us get the best out of him again, if we play the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, you could have him as cover for either Lolley or Ameobi on either flank.”
David Robertson: “Needs a long stay somewhere with a decent coach who will get the best out of him. Moving around has done nothing for his career.”
Andy McIntyre: “Best bit of business we’ve done in recent years, I think it would be a good punt to get him back on the cheap.”
Adrian Nicholas: “Should bring him back and get rid of Carvalho.”
Pep Loscalzo: “Good player would have him back and he’s only 22.”
Andy Perks: “If ever there was a player who’s been poorly advised then this is him.”
Jason Bearder: “Following the money does not always work out.”
Robert Churchill: “He’d do a job on the wings with Lolley.”
Mark Leonard: “Bring him home.”
Matthew Cunliffe: “Should have stayed.”
Lee Rogers: “Get him back.”
