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SportsBurnley and Espanyol to play friendly on July 29, 2026
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The article details the close relationship between Spanish club Espanyol and English club Burnley, both owned by Alan Pace. It highlights player exchanges between the clubs, including Luca Koleosho's transfer in 2023, Lluc Castell's permanent move to Burnley for around €2 million, and Quilindschy Hartman's loan to Espanyol. The two teams are set to face each other in a friendly at Turf Moor on July 29, 2026, marking a reunion that recalls a previous friendly in 2018 when Espanyol won 2-0 with goals from Dídac Vilà and Sergi Darder. The match serves as preparation for Espanyol's push for La Liga and Burnley's campaign in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League.
Source report
Updated on: July 29, 2026 — 09:05 CEST Author: Iván Molero | AS Editorial Staff
They are not brothers, nor do they know each other, but they can certainly be considered relatives. Espanyol and Burnley share a president and owner in Alan Pace, and this Wednesday (20:45 Spanish peninsular time, broadcast on Espanyol Media and Esport3) they face each other at Turf Moor in what amounts to a family reunion. For Espanyol, the match marks the start of the final sprint toward La Liga; for Burnley, it signals the beginning of their push in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League.
A History of Player Exchanges
As good relatives do, Espanyol and Burnley have exchanged players in recent seasons.
- Luca Koleosho — The first transfer occurred before Pace's arrival at the RCDE Stadium. Burnley signed Koleosho in 2023 for €3 million, two years before the sale of the parakeet club. He later returned to Espanyol on loan, though without notable success.
- Lluc Castell — The Espanyol academy product has joined Burnley permanently for an undisclosed fee, reportedly around €2 million.
- Quilindschy Hartman — As an open secret confirmed, Hartman has joined Espanyol on loan, having already visited the RCDE Stadium as a spectator during the winter transfer window.
A Previous Meeting at Turf Moor
Even before Pace's takeover at Burnley, Espanyol had already played a friendly at Turf Moor. That match took place eight years ago, on August 5, 2018. At the time, Burnley were coming off a Europa League qualifying round, while Espanyol were beginning their brief project under Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' and Borja Iglesias — a project that would ultimately lead them to European competitions. Espanyol won 0-2, with goals from Dídac Vilà and Sergi Darder.
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Tagged in: RCD Espanyol
Source
Fútbol en AS.comWestern
Part of this Story
From Dídac to Hartman: Espanyol and Burnley's Shared Journey from Europe to the Championship