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Three signings Burnley should still make this summer feat. Liverpool star
Burley finished five points off safety after recording just seven wins in 38 games during their last stay in the Premier League. However, those figures belie just how competitive the Clarets were. Their biggest defeat came in a 4-0 drubbing at West Bromwich Albion after one rogue performance, and the second biggest defeat was 3-0 loss at Arsenal with all three goals coming in the final 20 minutes.
More often than not though, Burnley were able to spar with most opponents quite comfortably but lacked the quality in the final third of the pitch to land a knock-out blow. This was epitomised by a run of four consecutive 1-0 defeats across April and May, just as the Clarets were desperate for the points necessary to survive.
Sean Dyche’s men can be relied upon to provide obdurate opposition for every Premier League opponent this upcoming season, but require some added punch in order to convert good performances into wins.
Burnley won just four home Premier League games – a figure that needs to at least double if they are to survive this time around. Over the next few pages, we have suggested three players they are likely to target before the close of the window, and could result in the club avoiding relegation.
Jeff Hendrick
Joey Barton was voted Burnley’s Player of the Season last year and his presence could be sorely missed in central midfield. Jeff Hendrick was an outstanding performer for Republic of Ireland during the European Championships, particularly during their opening match against Sweden.
The Derby County youth product has become a permanent fixture in the Rams’ first XI for a few seasons, making 154 Championship starts.
Dyche’s two-man midfield demands a great deal of running, and he typically likes to opt for two midfielders capable of getting from box-to-box. This is very much Hendrick’s forte – he is not much of a passer, averaging just 34 completed passes per game for Derby in the Championship last season. Burnley will play a majority of their football next season out of possession, so this style of player should suit the Clarets.
New Derby boss Nigel Pearson will be keen to keep Hendrick, but the allure of Premier League football should be enough for Burnley to turn his head.