'Show what we can do' - USMNT-eligible Italy youth star Luca Koleosho completes loan move from Burnley back to Espanyol

Luca Koloesho has completed a season-long loan to Espanyol, the Spanish club announced. The move sees the winger depart Burnley for a year-long loan, returning to Espanyol, where he began his professional career before signing with Burnley in 2023. 

The 20-year-old winger, who was born in Norwalk, Connecticut but represents Italy on the international stage, originally joined Espanyol in 2020, making his first-team debut to close the 2021-22 season. He scored his first goal for the club one year later before making the move to Burnley in July of 2023.

Koleosho made 15 Premier League appearances during that first season with Burnley before an injury halted his progress. He featured 28 times in the Championship last season.

The move continues the connection between the two clubs. Espanyol were recently purchased by Burnley's ownership group, which includes NFL legend J.J. Watt.

Koleosho recently spoke to GOAL about his journey, including his pathway from Connecticut to Europe. The winger also discussed his international career, which has largely been with Italy thus far.

Fresh off a run with Italy at the U21 Euros this summer, Koleosho says the decision to represent the Azzurri has been made, largely, to make his mother proud. Eligible for Italy, the U.S., Canada and Nigeria, Koleosho has not been cap-tied by Italy's senior team, which means the 20-year-old could still end up representing one of the other three on the international stage.

“Despite still being young, I think I'm more mature as a player now," he said. "I've seen the evolution of the team. This is the club I joined when I was very young, at youth level, and I'm going to continue to follow this club through to the end of my playing career.

"This is a new experience to show what we can do and achieve this year. I'm very happy to be back."

A familiar face for American soccer fans has a special connection with Espanyol. Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the USMNT, was at the club's La Liga opener against Atletico Madrid scouting midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

It wasn't the first time Pochettino has been spotted at an Espanyol game, with the manager still holding a special relationship with the club. Pochettino made more than 300 appearances for Espanyol across two stints while starting his managerial career there in 2009.

Koloesho could make his debut as soon as Sunday as Espanyol prepares to face Real Sociedad in their second La Liga match, having won their opener against Atletico Madrid.