As James Trafford makes his move to Turf Moor, Arijanet Muric is set to depart, but is this a wise move for Burnley?
The deal, while not made official, has been all but confirmed by Fabrizio Romano who said that Trafford would cost Burnley an initial £14million plus £5m in add-ons.
Jibes have been made at the signing, with a possible £19m total fee touted for the prospect whose only senior experience came in League One.
However, The Clarets will be glad they secured an agreement prior to the Under-21 European Championships, given how rapidly his stock has risen.
Trafford was integral to the England triumph, not conceding a single goal in the entire tournament. It seems clear Burnley have got a good one.
But what will he bring to the club on-field? We have drafted in some expert knowledge to give us a better idea of the goalkeeping situation at Burnley.
What does Trafford offer?
With the arrival of Trafford, Muric is set to depart, despite having a top-class season for Burnley last year.
Speaking exclusively to Burnley News, Burnley Mundial Podcasts’ Nathan Rogers gave some expert insight into the difference between the two shot stoppers.
The departure of Muric for Trafford is a move welcomed by Burnley Mundial, who are sad to see the Kosovo international go but admitted the move is an ‘evolution’.
“There is an element of evolution not revolution”, he said, suggesting that, while both have the qualities of a modern-day stopper, it is actually the goalkeeping basics that put Trafford ahead.
Trafford is thought to be a huge upgrade on Muric in terms of shot-stopping and aerial ability. The latter’s qualities fall short of what would be required in the Premier League, while Trafford seems to have it all.
“From what I’ve seen of the young man, he ticks a lot of boxes to be a high-level goalkeeper.
“Trafford is the perfect young, modern-day goalkeeper. He’s got the height, he’s got the wingspan, he’s got the agility and he can play with the ball at his feet like a defensive midfielder.”
These qualities make for an impressive young goalkeeper, who can likely still raise his game a few levels. His on-ball quality will also be a huge plus for Vincent Kompany, who may demand a similar possession-based style to last season, despite the improved opposition.
Trafford had an impressive save percentage last season of 78.8% (FBRef) making him a nearly unbeatable challenge for opposition forwards.
His all-round performances in the Euros has prompted Rogers to suggest Trafford is “one of the most exciting signings we have made”.
Speaking about the Germany game he said, “He was outstanding, commanding his back line, bossing his six-yard box, making the hard saves, and making the simple saves and his ability to start an attack from the back.”
A huge season awaits both Trafford and Burnley, and it will quickly become evident if he is up to task, given Manchester City are coming to Turf Moor in the season opener.
Who could Burnley sign next?
Burnley are thought to be in need of an out-and-out striker. Kompany’s side are “really lacking that clinical finisher in and around the 18-yard box,” Rogers said.
Burnley might well look to utilise the loan market, with multiple talented young strikers likely to be looking for a Premier League opportunity. Burnley’s attack will also be boosted by the fact that Wout Weghorst is set to stay.
Besides that, it is important that Burnley fill the gap left by Ian Maatsen who has so far remained at Chelsea this summer, meaning a left-sided wing-back signing is needed should he not rejoin.
Burnley are also closing in on the signing of 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund defender Soumaila Coulibaly, who would be yet another exciting acquisition for The Clarets.