From being among the relegation favourites at the start of the season to gaining a ticket to the Europa League playoffs, Burnley has been a surprise package. All the credit goes to manager Sean Dyche for his work and total commitment he has shown in making the Clarets a top-six team.
Dyche worked on a shoestring budget compared to some of his peers and guided the Clarets to Europe. It is indeed an extraordinary achievement for Burnley.
A chance to play in Europe must have left the Burnley fans expecting their club now to make some bold moves and sign a couple of marquee players in the summer. However, Dyche has already admitted that he is not yet in a position to sign ready-made star players.
Keeping that in mind, here are three players Burnley should sign from the recently relegated Premier League clubs.
Kyle Bartley (Swansea City)
Kyle Bartley is expected to leave Swansea City following their relegation to the Championship. The central defender was restricted to just five Premier League appearances for Swansea this season.
The 27-year-old has had injury concerns but when fully fit and on form, he is a solid defender to have in the squad.
Burnley have James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Kevin Long as central defenders. They will be competing in the European competition next term, which means the Clarets need strengthening at the back.
Hence, Dyche should make a move for Bartley as quickly as possible.
Charlie Adam (Stoke City)
A player of Charlie Adam’s quality just cannot be ignored by Burnley. Adam may be 32 but he still has something to offer.
A venom of a left-foot, Adam can bring some valuable experience to the Burnley side. He can do the box-to-box role to good effect and while he may not have the legs to play week in and week out, the Scotsman could bring a lot of bite.
The Stoke City midfielder is past his prime but Dyche must sign Adam to beef up his midfield ahead of next season.
James McClean (West Brom)
Having suffered relegation from the English Premiership, James McClean’s future is uncertain with just one year remaining on his current deal.
The 29-year-old would be desperate to leave Hawthorns in the summer and Burnley certainly could throw him a lifeline.
McClean would be a good option for Burnley but he has featured regularly at West Brom. He will bring a lot of pace and sprightliness to Burnley’s attack, which has seemed toothless at times this campaign.
With just a year remaining on his contract, Burnley’s participation in Europe can tempt McClean to make a move to Turf Moor.