K.R.C Genk head coach Nicky Hayen is Burnley’s number one target to fill their managerial vacancy.Talks have taken place and a deal which would see the 46-year-old replace Scott Parker, who left Turf Moor at the end of April, is advancing.Hayen only arrived at Genk in December 2025 after he was sacked by Club Brugge earlier that month. He has managed a number of clubs in Belgium and also had a spell as manager of Welsh side Haverfordwest County between 2021-22 before returning to BelgiumIt is 68 days since Parker departed and Burnley’s managerial search has been extensive as they attempt to recruit a manager they hope will lead them to promotion back to the Premier League.It looked like Wales head coach Craig Bellamy, who had spent two years at Burnley as assistant manager to Vincent Kompany between 2022-24, was set to take over but talks broke down in the final stages and the club’s hierarchy moved on to other targets.
Burnley have already returned for pre-season and head out for their tour of the United States this week for games against FC Cincinatti, Columns Crew and Real Salt Lake.Can Burnley again recruit the right coach to seal Premier League return?Analysis from Andy JonesAfter a potential deal for Bellamy broke down in the final stages, Burnley had to pivot and reassess who they wanted to target to be their new manager.As they have done in previous managerial searches, they have not wanted to rush into any decisions and prefer to fully assess their options before making a decision.Bellamy, who was heavily considered when Burnley appointed Scott Parker in 2024, looked to be their man. A deal was advancing but broke down with sources on both sides of the deal offering different reasons for who was at fault.With pre-season already under way, an appointment needed to be made and Genk’s Hayen has emerged as their preferred target.Hayen represents a risk because he has never managed in England before, and he will have the immediate pressure of being tasked with leading Burnley back into the Premier League.Burnley have previous success of appointing a manager from Belgium as former Manchester City centre-back Vincent Kompany arrived in 2022 after being in charge of Anderlecht. He led Burnley to the Championship title and promotion in his first season.Maybe this is an attempt for Burnley to re-find the magic that Kompany brought. A place in the Premier League is important for a number of reasons, including the financial health of the club.They have shown with the previous two appointments (Kompany and Parker) that they have recruited the right people to guide them into the top flight. If Hayen is appointed, they will be hoping that trend continues.Jul 7, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
