Key Points
- Craig Bellamy is on course to leave Wales to become the new Burnley manager.
- Talks have accelerated in recent days, with the move understood to be a matter of when, not if.
- Burnley are likely to pay £1 million to release Bellamy from his Wales contract.
- Bellamy signed a new Wales deal until 2028 just weeks ago, on June 1.
- Steve Cooper and Eric Ramsay are early favourites to replace him if he departs.
- Bellamy said on June 2 that he loved his role with Wales and did not feel it was the right time to move elsewhere.
Wales (Wales Times) – June 24, 2026 Craig Bellamy is reportedly poised to leave his position as Wales head coach and take charge at Burnley, with negotiations over compensation now close to completion. WalesOnline reported on June 24, 2026, that Burnley and the Football Association of Wales are working towards a settlement that would allow the move to go ahead. BBC Sport had earlier said Wales were already preparing for the possibility of Bellamy’s exit and had started discussing replacement options.
The reports suggest the situation has moved beyond speculation and into the final stages of talks. Bellamy only took charge of Wales in 2024, and the possibility of him leaving has come as a surprise to supporters who had expected him to lead the side into Euro 2028. The development now leaves Wales facing an important decision about continuity and timing.
Why Burnley?
Burnley’s interest comes as the club looks for a new manager and sees Bellamy as a strong fit. BBC Sport noted that Bellamy’s previous connection with Turf Moor makes him an attractive option, while earlier coverage also pointed out that he had worked at the club under Vincent Kompany. That familiarity may have strengthened Burnley’s view that he is the right candidate.
The move would also give Bellamy a return to club football after his spell in international management. His background at Burnley and his reputation as a high-intensity coach appear to be central to the club’s thinking. The reports indicate that Burnley have moved quickly to secure him before alternative options become more complicated.
Who could replace him?
Wales are understood to be looking at several names if Bellamy departs. BBC Sport reported that Steve Cooper is an early front-runner, while Rob Edwards has also been linked depending on his availability. These names suggest the FAW is already trying to avoid a long vacancy.
Other reports have also mentioned Andrew Crofts and Eric Ramsay as possible options. Crofts would offer continuity because he already works closely with Bellamy, while Ramsay would represent a more external appointment. The range of candidates shows that Wales are likely to weigh stability against the chance to refresh the role.
Bellamy’s Wales spell
Bellamy was appointed Wales manager in 2024 and signed a contract running until 2028. At the time, he described the job as a major honour and a personal ambition. More recently, he publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Wales and said he intended to stay focused on the road to Euro 2028.
That is why the latest reports matter so much. They suggest a possible change of direction after Bellamy had appeared fully committed to the national-team project. Wales had already missed out on the 2026 World Cup, which made long-term planning for the European Championship even more important.
What have reports said?
BBC Sport reported that Wales had already started weighing up replacements in case Bellamy left. WalesOnline reported that a compensation package had been agreed in principle, with the final details still being completed. Together, those reports point to a deal that could be finalised soon.
The same coverage also highlighted Bellamy’s Burnley links and his recent public commitment to Wales. That contrast has made the story significant, because it suggests a fast-moving change rather than a gradual shift. For both clubs and country, the next decision will shape the immediate future.
Background of the development
Bellamy’s current situation comes from two separate threads: his Wales appointment and his earlier Burnley connection. He became Wales manager in 2024 after turning down the chance to stay at Burnley under Scott Parker. Before that, he had worked at Turf Moor under Vincent Kompany, which is why Burnley have been strongly linked with him again.
The wider context is that Wales have been building towards Euro 2028, while Burnley have been reshaping their own leadership. Because Bellamy remains under contract, any move requires agreement on compensation and terms. That is now the main issue holding everything together.
Prediction for Wales supporters
For Wales supporters, Bellamy leaving would mean another transition period at a time when stability was expected to matter. A new coach would need to protect the team’s progress and maintain planning for Euro 2028. If the FAW chooses someone already familiar with the setup, the change may be easier to manage.
For Burnley supporters, Bellamy’s arrival would bring a manager with international experience and a clear understanding of the club. The immediate effect would be a new direction at Turf Moor, while Wales would need to settle quickly on a successor. The next few days are likely to decide how both sides move forward.
