Burnley in Advanced Talks to Appoint Fabio Celestini

After sacking Nicky Hayen following just 14 games across all competitions this season, Burnley are now in advanced talks with his replacement, GMS understands.

The Clarets have hit a worrying run of form to start the 2026/27 Championship season, with the Premier League hopefuls picking up just one win in their opening 12 league matches.

Stuck on eight points, they find themselves 22nd, on the wrong side of the relegation zone. Their next managerial appointment, which the Lancashire outfit is now close to announcing, could make or break their campaign.

Burnley In Advanced Talks to Sign Nicky Hayen Replacement

Fabio Celestini is in advanced talks with Burnley about becoming their new manager, GMS understands. The retired former Swiss international is available after leaving Russian side CSKA Moscow in the summer, where he won the Russian Super Cup.

But he has spent the bulk of his career coaching in Switzerland. See his managerial record below:

The Swiss coach has enjoyed a 12-year managerial career, mainly in his native country, with the likes of Lausanne-Sport, Lugano, Luzern, Sion and Basel. He won the Swiss Super League and the Swiss Cup with the latter in 2024/25.

Celestini usually leans on a direct attacking style in his managerial philosophy, aiming to get the ball from his goalkeeper to his attackers as quick as possible.

Fabio Celestini Expected to Beat Several Others to Burnley Post

REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

Reports had initially suggested a candidate from abroad was strongly in the frame after it emerged neither Rob Edwards nor Carlos Corberan would be replacing Nicky Hayen, with Celestini now named.

Edwards held talks with the Burnley hierarchy, but has since decided to back out, while it’s claimed by The Athletic that Corberan is holding out for a job in the Premier League.