The Clarets secured promotion to the **Premier League**in emphatic circumstances, amassing 100 points and only conceding 16 goals all season.
Burnley boss Scott Parker, COO Matt Williams and CEO Alan Pace now face one of the biggest windows in the history of the club, with the task of signing players that will keep the club in the top flight.
The window has already started brightly, with Jaidon Anthony, Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming and Bashir Humphries all penning permanent contracts following successful loan spells.
Three Possible Departures
James Trafford
James Trafford had a stellar season, only conceding 16 goals all season. Trafford broke records for clean sheets in a season, along with breaking the record for longest time without conceding a goal – going from 21 December, when Watford’s Kwadwo Baah scored late in a 2-1 victory for the Clarets, to 2 March, where Cardiff City’s Yousef Salech scored the equaliser in another 2-1 victory, without conceding a single goal.
Trafford’s impressive form has seen him linked with Newcastle and Chelsea in recent weeks. Newcastle was falsely linked with the England international last summer and may look to go back in for him in preparation for their UEFA Champions League campaign.
Maxime Esteve
Another key part of the defence is Maxime Esteve. Signing from Montpellier last summer after a successful loan stint, Esteve has started every game of the season at left centre-back. “Steve”, as he is affectionately called by the fans, was linked with a move away from Turf Moor both last summer and in the winter transfer window.
A host of Premier League clubs, alongside German giants Bayern Munich, who are managed by former boss Vincent Kompany, have been linked with a move for the Frenchman.
Lyle Foster
Signing from Westerlo in 2023, Lyle Foster was very much a statement signing. A slow start to life in East Lancashire followed, scoring a single goal in 11 Championship appearances.
The next season started well, with 2 goals in his first 3 Premier League appearances before he took a 2-month break to seek assistance for his mental health. After his break, he had a further 3 goal contributions, including a fine effort at Villa Park.
Foster started this season brightly, before multiple injuries meant he spent a lot of the previous season on the treatment table. Foster could look to move away from Turf Moor to rediscover his goal-scoring form.
Expiring Contracts
CJ Egan-Riley
The first out-of-contract player is centre-back CJ Egan-Riley. Signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, signing a two-year deal, Egan-Riley had loan spells at Hibernian and PSV Eindhoven. Seemingly out of the squad at the start of the season, Egan-Riley had a breakthrough when Joe Worrall was sidelined with a foot injury. Ever-present since late September, Egan-Riley is a must-keep.
Josh Brownhill
Club captain Josh Brownhill has had a stellar season for the Clarets, scoring 18 goals, which makes him the club’s top goal scorer and second in the league.
Brownhill has been deployed both centrally and further forward, often playing as a second striker to Josh Cullen. Brownhill signed from Bristol City in the winter of 2020 and has always been a constant goal threat.
Brownhill has historically struggled in the Premier League, often dropping back to a more defensive position. However, Scott Parker has often given the **Warrington**-born midfielder license to get forward and contribute to the goal threat. This could be crucial to the Clarets staying in the top flight.
Ashley Barnes
Club legend Ashley Barnes signed a 6-month contract in January. Whilst his age (35) has limited him to a substitute role, his impact off the pitch has been immense.
A natural leader, Parker has described Barnes as “incredible” since he came in. Barnes may not contribute on the pitch, however, a coaching role may offer the Clarets some experience heading into the Premier League campaign.
Nathan Redmond
Signing a 2-year deal with Besiktas, Nathan Redmond brought years of Premier League experience to Vincent Kompany. Several solid substitute performances followed. A serious hamstring injury kept him out for the whole of 2024, before he returned against Southampton in the FA Cup. Redmond has been confirmed to be released by the club.
Loans
The only loanee returning to his parent club is winger Jeremy Sarmiento. Having had spells at West Brom and Ipswich before his arrival at BB10, the Ecuadorian has had a slightly underwhelming season with 4 goals in 35 appearances. Sarmiento has proved versatile, appearing across the left, right and centre of attacking midfield.
Areas to Strengthen
Full Backs
Full-back has always been a concern for the Clarets, particularly on the left side. First choice Bashir Humphreys has looked good defensively, yet lacks attacking promise.
His counterpart, Brazilian Lucas Pires, looks good going forward; however, he struggled defensively before his inclusion in the season’s final stage. Humphreys has deputised across the back four, so could deputise at right-back.
Connor Roberts has impressed this season, making 41 appearances throughout the campaign. However, the Welshman has struggled with the jump up to the Premier League twice in his career, playing a bit-part role last season before being loaned out to Leeds United after the January arrival of Lorenz Assignon.
Shanudary Sambo and Oliver Sonne have shown promise in their limited appearances. At 23 and 24, respectively, game time is crucial: both could look for a loan move away to secure regular game time.
Strikers
The Clarets have always needed a goal-scoring striker since Chris Wood left three years ago. Lyle Foster has been underwhelming at points and often struggles with injury. Zian Flemming is not a natural striker – more naturally a “Number 10”, although he has performed effectively up front during the Championship campaign.
Ashley Barnes’ age means he is not suitable for the Premier League. Zeki Amdouni does provide some coverage for this position. However, the Swiss international has been linked with a move to Besiktas following a loan move with the Primeira Liga side Benfica. A goal-scoring striker is a must-buy for the Clarets.
Priority Target - Philip Billing
The Clarets have been crying out for a workhorse midfielder since Jack Cork retired 2 years ago, and Philip Billing is the perfect target. Currently enjoying an Italian loan spell with Napoli, Billing has over 150 Premier League appearances.
Coming through the Huddersfield academy, Billing went on to make 43 appearances for the Terriers before joining Scott Parker at AFC Bournemouth. Billing was a key member of the 2022/23 promotion campaign, with 20 goal contributions (10 goals, 10 assists).
The Denmark international also boasts the second-fastest goal in Premier League history, scoring after just nine seconds against Arsenal in March 2023.
Billing is a priority target for the Clarets for several reasons. Firstly, he understands the system well, having worked with Parker for a number of seasons. Secondly, Billing can play across the defensive, central and attacking midfield.
This will provide the Clarets with Premier League experience. Billing will partner Josh Cullen nicely in the heart of midfield, and can also offer some threat from set pieces, standing at 6ft 4 in.