Burnley FC can stop worrying Ian Wright by sealing these 3 transfers in the summer | OneFootball

The Clarets will hope to solidify their position back in the Premier League if promotion is secured

Former Arsenal and Burnley striker, Ian Wright, has issued his concerns that the gap between established Premier League clubs and those newly-promoted from the Championship will only increase further over time.

The Clarets, alongside Sheffield United, were both promoted automatically from the second tier in 2022/23, before being relegated after a sole season back in the Premier League, with the East Lancashire outfit finishing eight points adrift of safety as both sides, along with Luton Town, made an immediate return to the EFL.

It was the first time in 26 years that all three newly-promoted sides had been relegated from the Premier League, although it looks all-but set to occur for a second successive season as Southampton became the fastest-ever side in the top flight to be relegated, whilst it is a matter of time before Leicester City and Ipswich Town endure the same fate.

Last season, Burnley received £110.1m from the Premier League, whilst clubs competing in the Championship are said to generate just £11m, with such a huge financial disadvantage discussed by the former England forward, Gary Neville and Roy Keane on their latest 'Stick to Football' podcast.

Wright stated he is "absolutely worried," whilst Keane believes that the biggest pointer wasn't necessarily relegation, but how far adrift sides have found themselves in comparison to those who have kept their heads above water.

Whilst there are some within the ranks at Turf Moor who believe they will be capable of making the step-up if promotion is to be secured with four games to go, including a mammoth clash vs Chris Wilder's side, plenty of high-quality additions will need to be made by Scott Parker and Alan Pace in the off-season to try and consolidate.

With that in mind, FLW have looked at three potential signings which could ease Wright's fears heading into next season.

Josh Sargent

Despite being in the promotion mix-up for almost the entire season, Burnley have struggled to find a potent number nine this term, and that will have to change if they secure their place back in the top flight.

Lyle Foster and Andréas Hountondji have failed to step up to the plate on a regular basis, leaving Zian Flemming to star in a more advanced position for Parker's side, whilst Ashley Barnes' second stint at Turf Moor looks set to conclude in a matter of weeks.

One man who many believe is capable of taking to the Premier League like a duck to water is Norwich City's Josh Sargent, who has earned a reputation as being, arguably, the Championship's most lethal finisher.

The American has hit over 40 goals in the past three seasons at Carrow Road despite suffering two lengthy injury lay-offs in that time, with it recently being reported that the 25-year-old has appeared on Nottingham Forest's radar amid interest from a plethora of Premier League and European clubs as the Canaries reportedly value their star man between €15-20m.

Sargent netted just twice in 26 appearances in the top flight during Norwich's relegation season back in 2021/22, and the desire to prove he belongs at the highest level could be beneficial for Burnley in the short and long-term.

Harry Winks

Parker is stacked when it comes to options in the centre of midfield, although it remains to be seen how many of those will remain on the Clarets' books at the start of next season.

As of yet, club captain and top scorer, Josh Brownhill, remains out-of-contract, which will concern supporters given his integral role in the side. But, regardless of his long-term future, further top-flight experience and quality will be needed, and that can be sourced by the potential signing of Harry Winks.

Whilst Leicester's struggles have been well-documented, Winks has featured 150 times in the Premier League for the Foxes and Tottenham Hotspur as a well-rounded midfielder capable of breaking up play and then looking to set the wheels in motion for attacks.

The 29-year-old has also been the subject of recent controversy at the King Power Stadium after reports of a confrontation with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and whilst the Dutchman's future in the East Midlands looks uncertain, Winks may also look for a fresh challenge in the top flight once Leicester's EFL return is confirmed.

Djordje Petrovic

It would be a surprise to many if James Trafford remained in East Lancashire at the beginning of next season, with Parker's number one enjoying a record-breaking season which has only heightened interest from Newcastle United.

The former Manchester City man struggled to acclimate to the Premier League after his initial £15m move, but a season back in the EFL has proven why the 22-year-old is so highly rated to the point where Alan Pace has placed a £30m valuation on the shot-stopper.

A high-quality goalkeeper must be sourced in the eventuality of an expected departure, and Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic would fit the bill after a stellar season on loan with RC Strasbourg from Stamford Bridge.

The Serbian has kept nine clean sheets so far as Liam Rosenior's side continue to vy for a European place, as well as having the best save percentage in Ligue 1, with a figure of over 75%.

To further highlight how impressive the 25-year-old has been this campaign, the CIES Football Observatory Index has Petrovic as being the 11th-best performing goalkeeper in the world at this moment in time.

He has also recently been linked with a potential summer move to Burnley's promotion rivals, Leeds United, as they look to source a replacement for Illan Meslier.