In terms of a potential January transfer to Elland Road, and his future at one of Daniel Farke’s Championship promotion rivals, things are still about as clear as mud.
The noises coming out of Turf Moor – from both manager Scott Parker and chairman Alan Pace – is that Burnley would ideally like to have Mike Tresor at their disposal for the second half of the campaign.
The Belgium international has not played a minute of football so far in 2024/25 amid lingering fitness concerns. And, sensing an opportunity to enhance their own attacking options, Leeds are reportedly keen to offer Mike Tresor an escape route out of Lancashire and across the Pennines.
But with Farke admitting that he expects a ‘quiet’ January in West Yorkshire, and with Parker ‘not sure’ about what the future holds for Tresor while talking up the ‘quality’ of his £16 million man, the mid-point of the transfer window is rapidly approaching with more questions than answers regarding the former KRC Genk talisman.
Speaking on Friday, Burnley Express reporter Matt Scrafton was asked, amongst other things, about the situation facing the Leeds United-linked Tresor.
And he feels that, right now, a short-term loan deal may be the most likely scenario for a player who appears in need of a change of scenery.
Loan deal may be most likely as Leeds United eye Burnley’s Mike Tresor
“I thought this one might crop up!,” Scrafton says, reacting to a host of questions from Burnley supporters on social media.
“I thought Scott Parker’s comments at the start of January were quite telling when he admitted he’s not sure if Tresor will remain a Burnley player beyond the transfer window.
“There’s clearly a desire from the club to get Tresor back on the pitch with both Parker and chairman Alan Pace saying words to that effect, but right now it doesn’t appear to be in the offing.
“If you’re asking for my opinion, and that’s all it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 25-year-old depart on loan.”
Parker is right when he talks about Tresor’s obvious ‘quality’.
The former Willem II ace topped Europe’s assist charts back in 2023/24. His tally of 24 was more than any other player on the continent, while Tresor’s fierce dead-ball ability earned comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo back home in Belgium.
Tresor was likened to Cristiano Ronaldo after topping European charts
“First of all, we have to address Mike’s exceptional kicking technique” his former Genk coach Michel Ribeiro told the club’s official website. “He is one of the few players who has mastered the knuckleball. It’s the special kicking technique that put Cristiano Ronaldo on the map.
“It’s a way you can hit a ball hard and still have it drop sufficiently at the right time. He works hard on himself every week in training to further refine that technique.
“In addition, he has quick feet. Passing the ball correctly is one thing, but we often work together in training in using small spaces, to be able to beat a marker first through a one-on-one skill or in combination with his teammates.
“This sense for combination explains his excellent statistics for me.”
Though, with Tresor at his most effective when drifting in from the left, there is a debate to be had about whether Leeds United really need to reinforce in this particular area of the pitch.
Leeds have Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Willy Gnonto already, after all.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
