Irish international Nathan Collins is now Burnley’s newest addition as the side have secured the successful move over from Stoke City. Reports have not indicated the value of the undisclosed fee, but estimates put it around £12 with a fifth-year option.
Sean Dyche and the roster are able to add some depth to their central defensive ranks through a move like this.
“Everything about it is top drawer. It’s massive. It’s what I want to do,” said Collins. “I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump but I think I can be ready for it.”
Collins made 47 appearances for Stoke City, having been featured in 27 matches.
“Every season they go into it, Burnley look dangerous,” Collins added. “They can always hurt teams and it’s a really attractive team to come and play for.”
The longterm plan here is for James Tarkowski to potentially be replaced by someone like Collins. Tarkowski is set to leave the club at the end of the contract next summer.
“I want a challenge. That’s why I play football – to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going,” Collins said. “I want to play big games, I want to play against these players – I really can’t wait.”
It gives Dyche some options and flexibility as the side still figures out futures for Ben Gibson, and Jimmy Dunne.
“Looking at Burnley, looking at what they’ve done in the last few seasons and what they want for the future; everything played a part,” Collins said, “I think they do have big expectations at this club and I want to be part of it.”
“We are extremely pleased to have secured the services of Nathan, who has been much sought after as one of the most promising young players in the country,” Burnley chairman Alan Pace said. “We believe he will be an excellent addition and we see his signing as an ideal start to our summer’s business and the new collaborative approach to transfer activity now in place at the club, through our technical committee that involves the manager and his coaching staff, the scouting and recruitment teams, along with our data analytics department.”
