Beninese forward Andréas Hountondji has joined Belgian side Standard Liège on loan for the remainder of the season, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The move from Burnley comes as the striker seeks to rediscover his form after a challenging spell in England’s Championship.
Hountondji, 23, signed with Burnley in the summer but struggled to make a significant impact, featuring in 10 league matches without finding the back of the net.
With opportunities limited and confidence wavering, the decision was made for him to head to Belgium in search of regular playing time and a fresh start.
“Standard Liège, Burnley FC, and Andréas Hountondji have reached an agreement: the striker is on loan on the banks of the Meuse until the end of this season,” read a statement from the Belgian Pro League club, which currently sits 10th in the standings.
For Hountondji, the move represents an opportunity to regain the momentum he demonstrated earlier in his career.
Known for his speed and ability to create chances, the striker has shown flashes of potential that caught the attention of clubs beyond Benin.
However, his stint at Burnley failed to materialize as hoped, with fierce competition for places and the physical demands of the Championship proving to be significant obstacles.
At Standard Liège, Hountondji will look to reignite his scoring instincts while bolstering the club’s attacking options.
The Belgian side has faced inconsistencies this season, and the arrival of the Beninese international adds depth and a new dynamic to their forward line.
Hountondji’s move also aligns with Burnley’s strategy to ensure their young talents gain valuable experience abroad.
While his initial transition to English football has been difficult, the loan spell is seen as a chance for the striker to rebuild confidence and adapt to a different style of play in a competitive European league.
Andréas Hountondji arrive en prêt. L’attaquant béninois renforce notre ligne offensive. ✍
🗞 https://t.co/8w9f77h5gQ#RSCL #COYR 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/U7e9iIVYsf
— Standard de Liège (@Standard_RSCL) January 7, 2025
As the Pro League season continues, Standard Liège fans will be eager to see how Hountondji integrates into the squad and whether he can provide the goals needed to push the team up the table.
For the player himself, this loan move marks a crucial chapter in his career, offering him a platform to prove his abilities and potentially earn a return to form that could reignite his ambitions in the sport.
The spotlight will now be on Hountondji as he prepares to take on this new challenge, carrying with him the hopes of both his new club and his supporters back home in Benin.
