Burnley

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on James Trafford leaving for Manchester City this summer and who might be brought in as a replacement.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: He was superb for us last season and arguably got us into the automatic spots. But he is unproven in the Premier League and he alone would not keep us up. Great business for us and wish him all the best. Need to reinvest the money wisely to give us the best chance of survival.

Hugh: We will miss you so much - wish you and your family all the best in the future and thanks so much for everything. You have been awesome.

Simon: Big loss but understandable. I want Aaron Ramsdale but he is now being linked with Newcastle so that is maybe unlikely. He is unworthy of his unlucky brand and a fantastic keeper.

Richard: Probably go all out for Nick Pope.

Gav: Trafford has the capabilities to be England's number one - just not right now. Last season flattered him, playing behind a very defensive framework that kept threats away. While his shotstopping is world class, crosses into the box for huge, athletic players are his undoing and Premier League teams all know this. In terms of a replacement, I'm fine with Sam Johnstone or Nick Pope as they are quality and proven operators. We don't need world-class ball players.

Robin: It was inevitable but Trafford and Josh Brownhill leaving just as we make it back to the Premier League? Doesn't bode well.

David: Johnstone or Stefan Ortega.

Jack: I know he's getting older but the suggestion that Johnstone might be coming seems the best option at the moment. I've always thought he's a great goalkeeper.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley defender Maxime Esteve has signed a new five-year contract at the club.

The 23-year-old has only been at the club since January 2024 but was an integral part of the record-breaking defence established by Scott Parker in the Championship last season.

It is a huge boost for the Clarets after the departure of James Trafford to Manchester City on Tuesday.

"I'm very happy to sign another deal - to me this club is so special," Esteve said.

"When I came here, straight away I thought it was special. My family felt it too. It's the best decision to stay at Burnley, for my progression and to play in the Premier League.

"This club - with the gaffer, with my team-mates - is the best place to be. I'm proud to sign a new deal."

Image source, Getty Images

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that James Trafford had left Burnley to rejoin Manchester City.

Burnley have received a club-record fee for the 22-year-old goalkeeper, who was one of the star performers of Burnley's promotion campaign last season, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship appearances.

Although his departure was expected by many, how much of a blow is it?

Who can fill his boots?

Get in touch here

Image source, Getty Images

After announcing on Monday that he is leaving Burnley after five years, we asked you to tell us what made Josh Brownhill so special.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: Brownhill had many great days and a few bad ones playing for Burnley but his commitment was always 100%. He improved year on year, becoming a fantastic player for the club and every Burnley supporter should thank him.

Jack: What I got out of Josh was watching him improve into the player he was last season. He basically learned how to get further forward to give himself more chance to be in the right position. He has a great attitude and I am sorry to see him go.

Michael: Last season, the lad led from the front and got some very key goals at very key times. He always looked like he was enjoying himself and connected great with the fans. I did think he would extend and that shows how important it is to tie contracts up before they can walk away. However, like he says, his next chapter is coming wherever that maybe. Wish all the very best for him and his future club - a proper Claret.

Stephen: A non-stop box-to-box player, who could provide leadership qualities. His best attribute was arriving late in the box in space as that made him so difficult to pick up. While we will miss this ability, we will miss even more his stamina and tenacity in midfield. He will be sorely missed - good luck Josh!

Accrington Stanley are considering a move for Burnley striker Joe Westley, 20, but will be in competition with a number of League Two clubs as well as League One's Wigan Athletic for the Englishman. (Swindon Advertiser, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

On Monday, Josh Brownhill announced he was leaving Burnley after five years, two promotions and 32 goals for the club.

He has been such a key player for the Clarets, so tell us your best Brownhill moments.

What made him special?

Get in touch here

Image source, Getty Images

Josh Brownhill has confirmed his departure from Burnley after five and a half years with the club.

The 29-year-old's future at Turf Moor had been in doubt but boss Scott Parker had previously said in April he was "hopeful" a new deal could be agreed with the out-of-contract midfielder.

In a statement on his social media,, external midfielder Brownhill said it had been an "unbelievably difficult decision" but that it was the "right time for me to start the next part of my journey in football".

He made 211 appearances for Burnley across all competitions since joining from Bristol City in 2020, scoring 32 goals.

"My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further and continue to grow as a person and a professional," Brownhill said.

"I feel that a new project at this point in my career simply allows me to do that."

• Not a Burnley fan? Find and follow your club here

The next move for Brownhill, who was a key player in Burnley's Championship promotion campaign in 2024-25, is still unclear.

In the message he thanked manager Parker and owner Alan Pace for being "supportive" of his decision.

Brownhill added: "To the fans, I really want you to know that I understand and value what Burnley is to its people and will be forever grateful to you all. From watching the community coming together through Covid and seeing how hard you all work to be able to travel around the country supporting your team.

"To wear the captain's armband for this club was a real honour and something I felt privileged to do every day. From big goals in critical moments, trying to drive high standards every day and displaying the values of the community through my work on the pitch - I hope you can see as fans that I have always given my all for this great club and all it stands for.

"Lastly, it really felt like the perfect way to sign off my time at Burnley, by scoring two goals in my last game at Turf Moor, while captaining and being promoted into the Premier League with 100 points for a second time."

There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Burnley.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Burnley want English goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 32, from Wolves as they look to replace the outgoing James Trafford, who has joined Manchester City. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Former Burnley and Northern Ireland striker Willie Irvine has died aged 82 following a long illness.

Irvine was the joint top scorer in English football's top-flight in the 1965-66 season, with 29 league goals - alongside Liverpool's Roger Hunt - as Burnley finished third.

He scored a further eight cup goals and his 37 goals in a season remains a club record he shares with Jimmy Robson.

He had come through the youth system at Turf Moor and scored just 20 minutes into his debut in a 3-2 win at Arsenal in the penultimate game of the 1962-63 season.

The then-teenager kept his place for the final game at home to Birmingham - and scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.

In all, he scored 97 times for the club in just 148 games, establishing himself as one of the most prolific strikers of the period.

Irvine also scored eight times for his country as he won 23 caps - and it would surely have been more had his career not been hit by injury.

Following a broken leg at the age of 23 which affected his form, Irvine moved to Preston North End, where he continued to find the back of the net with regularity despite more injury problems.

A move to Brighton followed and he helped the then-third tier side to promotion before a short spell with Halifax Town. He was forced to retire aged 29.

Irvine remained living in Burnley after football and in more recent years had worked at Turf Moor, entertaining corporate guests and giving stadium tours.

"Burnley Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Burnley and Northern Ireland International, Willie Irvine," the Premier League club said.

Preston said their club was "saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Willie Irvine, who made 81 appearances for North End between 1968 and 1971.

"Our thoughts are with Willie's friends and family at this difficult time."

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley manager Scott Parker split up his squad to take on two friendlies at the same time on Saturday afternoon, as the Clarets faced Shrewsbury Town and Huddersfield Town in a pre-season double-header.

Parker split his squad fairly evenly between the two matches, but goalkeeper James Trafford was a notable absence amid speculation around his future at the newly-promoted club.

The Clarets did pick up two positive results though; settling for a 2-2 draw against League Two side Shrewsbury and a dominant 2-0 win over League One side Huddersfield.

Youngsters Tommy McDermott and Joe Westley stole the show against the Terriers at Accu Stadium, scoring a header and a close-range shot respectively.

Burnley have confirmed the appointment of Pal Fjelde as a set-piece coach.

Fjelde has previously worked at clubs in his native Norway, including Bryne, Viking, and Staal. He has also worked as a set-piece coach for the Norway Football Federation.

"I'm very excited. It's a huge opportunity and I'm really happy to have the trust of the manager and from the club," Fjelde said.

"I think more and more clubs see the importance of set-pieces and how crucial they can be in matches, so it's important to emphasise and put the work in on them."

Newcastle United are in danger of losing out to Manchester City in their attempt to buy Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Trafford is "very keen" to return to City this summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Burnley FC

Burnley have announced a multi-year partnership with social media platform X.

The corporation will become the club's first "strategic digital platform partner" and the Clarets say they will work together to "deliver world-class fan engagement, content and brand amplification".

As part of the partnership, Burnley will work with the platform on a new X Originals series that will have 20 episodes drop fortnightly, providing behind-the-scenes content of first-team players, staff and leaders at the training ground, Turf Moor and inside the dressing room throughout the season.

Burnley have over 820,000 followers on X and regularly produce viral content with their humorous takes on transfer signing announcements that have racked up millions of views.

Clarets chairman Alan Pace said: "Whether it be our now world-famous transfer reveal videos, or our incredible end-of-season dressing-room celebrations, X has been home to some of our most popular and engaging social content.

"Community is at the heart of everything that we do, so partnering with X enables us to expand that community even further and bring our passionate fanbase closer together, while growing our visibility with new digital audiences."

Jonathan Lewis, X Corporation's UK managing director, added: "The Clarets have one of the most passionate fanbases in the game and we can't wait to bring the spirit of the club's supporters to life on X as the club chases glory this season."

Burnley's summer signing Quilindschy Hartman says it felt like he was "cheating" on Feyenoord when he agreed his move to Turf Moor, but he thought he needed a "new environment" after 15 years at the Eredivisie club.

The 23-year-old defender has been speaking about moving to east Lancashire, the club's ethos, why the Premier League is on a par with playing in the Champions League and why he would not have made the move if unable to bring his dog with him.

"Scott Parker told me this is a special team in the talks we had before me signing," Hartman told BBC Radio Lancashire's Dan Jewell. "When I came in on my first day, I could immediately see it.

"I can see this is a good group with nice people. Everyone is talking to each other, there are no groups and you have no specific place at dinner, so every time you are coming into contact with a different person.

"If you have a good connection off the pitch then it is going to be easier to work for each other on the pitch. If someone loses the ball, I will be happy to run for them and try to recover it."

Watch the full 10-minute BBC Radio Lancashire interview below...

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley's owners Velocity Sport Limited have agreed a deal to acquire La Liga side Espanyol.

It means the Clarets become the latest team to join the multi-club ownership model a number of teams in the Premier League already have.

Espanyol play in the top tier of Spanish football, where they finished 14th last season, two points above the relegation zone.

The two clubs will continue to run separately but will now be part of the same ownership group.

"With this deal, RC Espanyol and Burnley will be part of this investment group, which expands its interests by having a club in La Liga and another in the Premier League - although each will remain independent," Espanyol said in a statement.

Velocity Sport Limited, the sports investment arm of ALK Capital, took over Burnley in December 2020.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley boss Scott Parker says he is "delighted" with the club's summer transfer business so far.

The Clarets have made five signings for their Premier League return; Kyle Walker, Axel Tuanzebe, left-back Quilindschy Hartman, goalkeeper Max Weiss and French winger Loum Tchaouna.

"We've brought in some very good players, and good business with that as well," said Parker. "Hopefully there is some more to come, and we can keep developing and pushing.

"I'm delighted with the business we've done so far.

Parker's Burnley were were promoted back to the Premier League last season following relegation under Vincent Kompany in 2024.

They did so conceding a record-low 16 goals, while recording 30 clean sheets and reaching 100 points in the Championship.

"For sure we can take momentum," former England international Parker said on building on those achievements.

"We're coming off a season where we achieved something which was unprecedented. What we did last year was nothing short of remarkable, and it was this group of players and us as a football club that did that really.

"We'll go and face this challenge this year with full commitment, desire and a real excitement about it, like we did last year. There are different dynamics this year of course but it's one where we are hoping to go in there and be ourselves and try to be successful."

Much was made of the three promoted clubs getting relegated from the Premier League for the second successive campaign last season, but Parker is excited for his first taste of top-flight management since he was sacked by Bournemouth in August 2022.

"Of course, there's a challenge and we understand that the narrative is that the challenge is going to be very difficult," he added.

"The last two seasons it was well documented that teams that come up get relegated from this division, but like always, I always mention to the players that these are the challenges that we relish.

"We had a really successful year last year, set our objectives and we managed to achieve them. Now full focus is on this upcoming season.

"We are absolutely full of excitement now and can't wait for the challenge that we face, which is the Premier League, which we all aspire to be in."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is "desperate" to join the Magpies this transfer window.

Discussing the potential transfer on BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport Newcastle United podcast, Anderson reflected on reports emanating from the Chronicle, external that the 22-year-old's price tag is set at £40m - and that Burnley are holding out for it.

"I don't know about this transfer," Anderson said.

"It comes down the fact a player is worth what you're prepared to pay for them. We were prepared to pay £55m for Anthony Elanga - I'm not sure how much we're prepared to pay for Trafford.

"We've offered £27m. How much higher will we go? I think it will come to a situation where they'll meet halfway, somewhere between £40m and £27m, around the £30m mark.

"It looks like he's a goalkeeper who's desperate to get in because of how long this has been going on so, you'd think this is a deal that will be done this summer."

Listen to the full podcast

Burnley are preparing an £18m move for Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, though Leeds United also remain interested in the 25-year-old USA international. (SportsBoom), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The BBC's search to find a new football expert is under way, with 12 content creators competing in Last Pundit Standing to win a role as BBC Sport's next football content creator.

The first two episodes of the show - co-hosted by former Watford captain Troy Deeney and YouTuber and football presenter James Allcott - are available to watch on iPlayer, as well as BBC Sport's YouTube channel and TikTok account, with new episodes every week until 11 August.

The contestants, who were chosen from more than 400 applicants, will be whittled down through a series of tasks staged at iconic football locations as the creators are challenged by some of the biggest names in the game.

Read more about the show here

Watch the first two episodes of Last Pundit Standing now on BBC iPlayer