Burnley are celebrating a fantastic season and now have Premier League football to look forward to again, but they do have concerns behind the scenes.
After a genuinely spectacular and record-breaking season for Burnley, it was goal difference alone that prevented them winning the Championship title.
Both Burnley and Leeds United enter the Premier League after good seasons, hoping to disrupt the status quo and survive in the top division.
However, Burnley may have to sell key players this summer to balance the books, notably James Trafford and Maxime Esteve.
That’s not ideal, but there are some inexpensive choices to help Scott Parker rebuild his team, such as these five free agents available this summer.
Burnley needs to act quickly on these five free agents.
Freddie Woodman
If Trafford departs, Burnley will suffer a significant loss. The youthful custodian preserved a whopping 29 clean sheets this season, but that kind of record attracts attention from others, and the sum Burnley might get for him would be quite appealing.
They will not have to look far for his replacement. Just across Lancashire, Freddie Woodman’s contract at Preston North End is coming to an end, and he is another custodian who has already been connected with top-flight clubs.
He has a solid level of experience, is a decent shot-stopper, and is eager to prove his readiness for the Premier League.
Jimmy Dunne
Burnley has already lost CJ Egan-Riley to a free transfer this summer, leaving a glaring void in their outstanding defence.
They can close that deficit swiftly and cheaply by signing Jimmy Dunne, one of the Championship’s most underrated defenders.
The Clarets are well aware of the QPR player, since he came through their junior system years ago. Sheffield United are interested in Dunne, but Burnley would undoubtedly have an advantage, as they would be acquiring a powerful, versatile, and competent defender for free.
Michael Keane
Maxime Esteve has been linked with Everton ahead of the summer, therefore Burnley should get a player from the Toffees in exchange. They might also sign a former player for free, since Michael Keane is set to become available soon.
He left Burnley in 2017 to join Everton for a sum that reportedly increased to about £30 million. Even though he is now 32 years old, the fact that Burnley may re-sign him for free appears obvious.
Keane has extensive top-flight experience, is a massive presence in the back, and understands the club inside and out.
Abdullahi Doucoure
Actually, Burnley should consider acquiring two players from Everton this summer. This is an audacious move, and while Abdoulaye Doucoure would be free, his salaries would be a huge expense for the Clarets.
Still, with Josh Brownhill set to leave on a free transfer this summer, Burnley sorely needs someone to assist them win the midfield battle, and Doucoure provides bite in the middle while still scoring the odd goal.
He would fit Parker’s style of play perfectly, has plenty of experience, and might provide something unique to the Burnley midfield.
Callum Wilson
Goals are the most important commodity in the Premier League, particularly among newly promoted teams. Unfortunately, if you had to pick a flaw with Burnley, that would be it.
Zian Flemming is a decent striker, but it’s unclear whether Burnley will keep him permanently after his loan spell, and even if they do, is he good enough to play in the Premier League? Enter Callum Wilson.
The 49-goal Newcastle United striker has demonstrated season after season that he can score on the biggest stage, and he is available for free. Nonetheless, a lot of clubs will be after the 33-year-old, so Burnley would need to offer an appealing package.
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