JELLE Vossen has gone back to Belgium, just two months after the striker joined Burnley.
The 26-year-old became the Clarets’ second summer signing, for around £2.5million from RC Genk, but has become the first to leave, citing family reasons.
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Vossen has signed a five-year deal with Club Brugge for an undisclosed fee.
The Belgian Pro League side, who pursued him before his Turf Moor move, announced the news in the early hours of yesterday morning after the striker jetted out. But at that point the deal had not been finalised.
The two clubs were in negotiations for most of Bank Holiday Monday and eventually agreed a fee for Vossen last night.
Despite rumours, the club have not lost any money on the 12-capped Belgium international, nor have they gained £1million but the Clarets have at least broken even on the deal.
Of his brief, goalless spell with Burnley ending abruptly, Vossen said: “I am very sorry for the fans of Burnley. The move to England on a permanent basis has been tough for me, mostly for family reasons.
“My wife and I were married this summer and immediately have had to leave family and friends behind.
“I had no problems at Burnley or with the people and fans at the club, who made me feel very welcome and for which I thank them.
“However, after discussing things with my family, I feel it is better to make the move now, for the benefit of both parties. I would like to wish Burnley Football Club every success in the future.”
Vossen, who spent all of last season on loan with Middlesbrough in the Championship, started the season up front alongside Lukas Jutkiewicz and was partnered by Sam Vokes in the Capital One Cup first round defeat to Port Vale.
After the 2-0 defeat at Ipswich he was dropped to the bench as an unused substitute against Brentford.
With Burnley earning their first win against the Bees he again missed out on a place in the starting XI, as Vokes and Andre Gray started up front against Bristol City although Vossen did come on in the second half
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