The Transfer Window has been and gone for another summer, and it is fair to say Burnley had a very good window.

Five first team signings, three of which aged 25 or under is a huge step in the right direction.

The Clarets left it late, with two signings confirmed in the final four days with a number of rumours and links to various central attacking midfielders right to the wire on Deadline Day.

Let’s analyse the business Alan Pace and his team achieved in the past few months.

  • Lennon and Hennessey bring a wealth of experience

When Robbie Brady’s contract expired and Bailey Peacock-Farrell was being linked with a loan away from the club, Sean Dychewas left horrifically short in the wide areas, and just Will Norris backing up Nick Pope in goal.

Wayne Hennessey coming through the door has added a wealth of Premier Leagueand International experience and is a much stronger number two ‘keeper than Peacock-Farrell is at the time being.

It has allowed the Northern Ireland number two to leave on loan and get more first team experience under his belt at Sheffield Wednesday in League One.

Hennessey starred in the Carabao Cup second round win over Newcastle United, making a string of saves during the game and was the hero in the penalty shootout.

Embed from Getty Images

Aaron Lennon fills the void that was created by Brady’s departure.

It is well reported that Dyche never wanted the former England winger to leave in 2019 and, after training with the club during the summer and featuring in pre-season games, he was offered a one year deal.

Lennon has lost some of his pace but he can still be an outlet on the right side of midfield, and also brings 18 years of professional experience.

Embed from Getty Images

He made his second debut for the club in the Newcastle win, being withdrawn after an hour.

The former Leeds United man is not going to be pushing for a start at any time in the League but will be an asset from the bench at any time.

  • Nathan Collins is for the future

That future might be coming around soon.

Nathan Collins joined from Stoke City as the first addition to the squad this window and is definitely seen as one for the future.

However, with the impending end of James Tarkowski’s contract at the end of this season, Collins could be drafted into the first team before he would have expected.

Tarkowski seems to be certain he is leaving so the natural step towards the end of the season would be to bring Collins through to get him used to Premier League football.

He is excellent in the air, a brilliant ball-playing centre half and has just been called into his first International squad with the Republic of Ireland.

Embed from Getty Images

He is another who made his debut in the cup game at St. James’ Park and, despite a few shaky moments, looked solid overall.

A fantastic prospect that will grow into a great player for Burnley Football Club.

  • Roberts rises to the top

After a fantastic summer with Wales at the European Championship and a breakout season for Swansea City, Connor Roberts was a hot commodity this month.

With his contract running out next summer, the right back was available for a cut price and Pace and his team swooped to make sure he came to Burnley.

This wasn’t an impulse purchase as the 25-year-old had interested the club earlier in the window before a groin injury seemed to put that interest to bed.

However, in final hours of the window, a Deadline Day deal was agreed and Roberts joined from The Swans on a four-year-deal.

He is another who excelled in the Championship last season, like Collins, and has rightfully earned his move to the top-flight.

Embed from Getty Images

Roberts has exceptional defensive positioning and was one of the best in the second-tier at making interceptions, and was only behind Emiliano Buendia in chances created in the League last season.

After surgery following Euro 2020, Roberts was expected to be out until September so should return to training following the current international break.

  • Just one Cornet will do

The big one.

The one that seemed to last the entire summer.

Maxwel Cornet.

£15million – a Clarets club record – for a 24-year-old Champions League pedigree player can only be described as genius.

The former Lyon man has flair, pace, a wicked delivery but also versatility to play on the wing or as a full back and is a very capable defender.

And he is another who has international experience, being a regular in the Ivory Coastnational side.

He might be out of the game against Everton once the international break is done due to the UK quarantine rules but will be in line to make his debut as soon as he is allowed.

Embed from Getty Images

This move is a statement of intent from Mr Pace, and Burnley won’t just make up the numbers in the Premier League this season and shouldn’t be banded in the group of favourites for relegation.

  • Not a transfer but keeping McNeil might be the best bit of business

In May, it looked like Aston Villa were leading the way for Dwight McNeil.

In the months that followed, McNeil’s name was linked to a host of Premier League clubs, including The Toffees, Villa and Leicester Citywith some, albeit slightly out there, links to Italian giants Juventus.

Regardless of who was in for him, he seemed destined to leave.

Villa made a derisory £15million bid for him in the early knockings of the window but that seemed to be it.

He might not seem worth the £50million price tag that the club slapped on him June to the bigger clubs but, to Burnley, he is worth every penny.

Embed from Getty Images

His performances to start this season have shown his ability, he was the best player on the pitch against Leeds United in the 1-1 draw at Turf Moor. 

The Clarets keeping hold of their star-man for one more season might be the biggest bit of business that the club pulled off this summer.

Because who knows how much he will be worth this time next year.

VAVEL Logo
About the author