As Burnley prepares for its return to the Premier League, recent reports suggest the club is in a strong position to secure the signing of an experienced international defender.
Preparing for the Premier League Challenge
Historically, many newly promoted teams struggle in the Premier League. Burnley is determined to avoid this common pitfall as they return to Turf Moor.
Former player Nedum Onuoha highlighted Brentford as a model for promoted clubs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining identity to succeed and become established in the top flight. He explained: “It sounds a bit dull if you are a Burnley fan, but stick with the process. Clubs that manage to maintain their identity, can end up doing well. Brentford, for example. They never really deviated away from the model that they have, and now they`re an established Premier League side.”
To build a competitive squad, Burnley is active in the transfer market. While CJ Egan-Riley`s departure is expected, and links persist with players like Liverpool`s Joe Gomez (£25m potential fee) and Rennes midfielder Jordan James (seen as potential youth/experience balance if Josh Brownhill leaves), significant behind-the-scenes work is underway in Lancashire.
Amidst this transfer activity, speculation suggests Burnley is now leading the pursuit of a talented defender with Premier League experience.
Burnley Eyeing Chris Mepham
According to Graeme Bailey, speaking to EFL Analysis, Burnley might beat out Sheffield United and Sunderland for Chris Mepham. Mepham`s contract at Bournemouth is due to expire at the end of this month, potentially allowing a free transfer, although Bournemouth holds an option to extend for a further 12 months.
The Wales international, currently earning £35,000 per week, spent last season on loan at Sunderland, making 40 appearances and scoring once during their playoff-winning campaign.
| Chris Mepham`s campaign for Sunderland in numbers – EFL Championship (Fotmob) | |
|---|---|
| Tackles won | 31 |
| Aerial duels won | 109 |
| Interceptions | 34 |
| Recoveries | 138 |
| Blocks | 3 |
Described as `superb` by Dan Ballard, Mepham`s future remains slightly uncertain due to Bournemouth`s extension option, but Bailey believes Burnley is well-placed to secure him regardless.
He stated: “It could be one of those promoted teams. Do we see Burnley coming in for him? They may have to lose Maxime Esteve, and they’ve lost CJ Egan-Riley already. I wouldn’t rule Burnley out of the running on that one.”
Whether or not Bournemouth activates the extension clause, the Clarets appear to be well in the race to bring Mepham to Turf Moor and he would be an ideal fit given he has made over 60 Premier League appearances across his career.
