The Football Association of Wales (FAW) remains "very confident" that head coach Craig Bellamy will stay with the national team, despite growing interest from Championship side Burnley. Bellamy has emerged as a top candidate for the managerial vacancy at Turf Moor, following Scott Parker's departure by mutual consent after the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.
Burnley is familiar territory for the 46-year-old, who previously served as an assistant coach to Vincent Kompany—his former Manchester City teammate—during Kompany's tenure at the club. While no official approach has been made to the FAW, reports suggest Burnley has informally sounded out Bellamy about the possibility of taking over.
However, following extensive discussions with the former Wales captain, senior FAW sources have told BBC Sport Wales they are convinced Bellamy will honor his contract, which runs through 2028. A key factor in that belief? Bellamy's burning ambition to lead his country at Euro 2028, which Wales will co-host alongside England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Since taking his first senior managerial role in July 2024, Bellamy has brought an exciting brand of football to Wales. He earned widespread praise for a nine-game unbeaten start, guiding the Dragons to the top tier of the Nations League with a bold, attacking style that has revitalized the squad. But the road hasn't been without bumps: Wales' 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign ended in disappointment, with two defeats to Belgium costing them automatic qualification, followed by a heartbreaking play-off semi-final loss at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.
Despite that setback, Bellamy has made no secret of his desire to manage at the highest level of club football. The FAW is aware that other clubs—beyond Burnley—have shown interest, but they do have some leverage: a release clause in Bellamy's contract that would require any suitor to pay at least £700,000 to buy him out.
Former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard has also been linked to the role, but for now, Wales supporters can breathe easy—their manager appears committed to the long-term project.