5 players Burnley FC should sign as £100m cash windfall looms ft Celtic player | OneFootball

Burnley will be in a position to spend big money this summer as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Burnley secured their return to the Premier League on Monday thanks to a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

Having suffered relegation, many expected the Clarets to be in the mix for promotion this season, and Scott Parker’s men have been fantastic, with their success built on a remarkable defensive record.

Now, attention turns to the Premier League, with all connected to the club knowing just how difficult it will be to establish Burnley back in the top-flight.

Burnley’s recruitment must be smart on Premier League return

The gap between the top two divisions has been highlighted in the past two years, with all three clubs set to be relegated for the second season on the bounce.

So, the task awaiting Burnley is very difficult, and the club will need to spend wisely to strengthen Parker’s squad.

Obviously, promotion has brought new riches to Burnley, so they should be in a position to splash the cash. And, here we look at FIVE players who they should consider ahead of the summer window…

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

In an ideal world, Parker won’t want to disrupt Burnley’s brilliant defence, but CJ Egan-Riley is out of contract in the summer, so there’s no guarantee he will stick around at Turf Moor.

Therefore, a new starting centre-back may be needed, and Harwood-Bellis is someone who should come into Burnley’s thinking.

Of course, he is a player they know well, as he starred on loan under Vincent Kompany as they won the Championship title in 2023, but he has since moved on to Southampton.

Following their relegation, he could be available, and he fits Burnley’s profile. He is young, has room to improve, but he does have quality, and he could slot in alongside Maxime Esteve if Egan-Riley does leave.

Ben Davies

Burnley will have learnt lessons from two years ago, and buying Premier League experience has to be something they look to do.

Therefore, Spurs defender Davies should appeal. His contract situation is unclear, as previous reports claimed the Londoners would trigger an extension, although that hasn’t been announced as it stands, so he may be available on a free.

Either way, he wouldn’t command a big fee, and Davies may welcome the chance to join the Clarets as it would mean more game time. He can play left-back or centre-back, as well as giving Parker the option to go to a back three.

Davies’ know-how and experience would be great in the dressing room as the side fight to stay up.

Reo Hatate

This may be an ambitious move, but Burnley need to improve the XI, and Hatate is someone who could do that.

The Japanese international has impressed at Celtic over the past few years, but it feels like it’s the right time for him to move on, and the chance to play in the Premier League may appeal.

At his best, Hatate would add energy, drive and technical ability to the Burnley midfield, along with another goal threat.

Again, it may be difficult to convince him to join, but Burnley have financial power now, and he would be the sort of coup that would show they mean business ahead of the new season.

Julio Enciso

The attacking midfielder is contracted to Brighton, but he is currently on loan at Ipswich, where he has only shown flashes of his ability.

That’s been Enciso’s story over the past few years, as he has scored some fantastic goals, notably against Chelsea and Man City, but he hasn’t been consistent enough.

In fairness, that’s to be expected with young players, but Enciso hasn’t shown enough to warrant a place in the Seagulls XI.

So, another loan is on the cards, and whilst it would be a risk, Enciso is a potential game-changer that could win Burnley points on his own if he does click.

Parker may see him as a low-risk gamble that could pay off, as Enciso’s talent is undoubted, and the boss has shown he can be the perfect manager to get players back on track, with Marcus Edwards the obvious one.

Josh Sargent

Arguably the priority position for Burnley this summer is a striker, as Josh Brownhill, the midfielder, was top scorer.

A decent chunk of the budget is going to go on a new number nine, and Norwich City’s Sargent should be top of Burnley’s list.

The USA international has been excellent this season despite the Canaries’ struggles, and he is ready to make that step back to the Premier League. Sargent’s movement, finishing ability and physicality means he should be able to cope with the demands of the top-flight, so this would be a smart investment.