Congolese Alex Tuanzebe: Why I signed for Burnley

Congolese defender Alex Tuanzebe has justified his decision to sign for newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley FC.

Joining after the expiry of his contract at Ipswich Town FC, the player insisted that proximity to childhood club, Manchester United, influenced his decision to sign for Scott Parker’s side.

“I’m delighted to be here. It became a very simple decision after speaking to the manager and the message was very clear, precise and straight to the point,” he told Burnley media.

“It’s a new chapter for me, back in the vicinity of Manchester and home and I’m ready to continue my journey now at Burnley.”

Tuanzebe has signed for the Clarets with effect from July 1, 2025, his third Premier League club after leaving United. The centre-back also had spells with Aston Villa.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but relocated with his parents to the United Kingdom. He eventually signed with the academy team of the Red Devils at the age of eight and rose through the ranks to the main team in 2017.

The 27-year-old decided to represent Congo, the country of his birth, earlier this year. He joins another African at Burnley, Lyle Foster from South Africa.