Burnley strengthen in defence by signing sought-after Stoke star Nathan Collins on a four-year deal to kick-off their summer transfer plans – and 20-year-old insists he is ‘ready to make the jump up’ to the Premier League
- Burnley have completed the signing of Nathan Collins from Championship Stoke
- The 20-year-old Irishman says he is ready for the step up to the Premier League
- The highly-rated defender has signed a four year deal with Sean Dyche’s team
Burnley have begun their summer recruitment with the signing of Stoke defender Nathan Collins.
The 20-year-old, who made 49 appearances for the Potters since his debut in April 2019, has agreed a four-year contract.
‘I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump but I think I can be ready for it,’ said Collins.
Burnley have completed the summer signing of sought-after Stoke defender Nathan Collins
Sean Dyche will be delighted to get Burnley’s summer activity under way, bolstering the side
‘I want a challenge. That’s why I play football – to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going.
‘The gaffer here has improved many players before, which is another part of why I came to this club.
‘I think I’m ready but I just want to improve myself. I want to get better and help this team.’
The Irishman’s performances in the Championships attracted the attention of several clubs
Collins, a Republic of Ireland Under-21 central defender who can also play on the right, had last season prematurely ended by a foot injury in February but is now fully fit.
Clarets chairman Alan Pace said they were pleased to have beaten off competition for the ‘much sought-after’ Collins.
‘We believe he will be an excellent addition and we see his signing as an ideal start to our summer’s business and the new collaborative approach to transfer activity now in place at the club, through our technical committee that involves the manager and his coaching staff, the scouting and recruitment teams, along with our data analytics department,’ he said.