What will be key to their success?
Recruitment. The Clarets have seen 12 departures so far this summer and will need to rebuild their squad with a team that fits Hayen’s style of play.
The Belgian likes to play high-possession football and wants to be direct once in a position to attack, so players who are good on the ball and able to intercept will be high on his wishlist.
New signing Ugo Raghouber fits that profile perfectly – he’s a defensive midfielder who is known for breaking up attacks and he’s good in the air.
The only other outfield player the Clarets have purchased this summer, forward Lluc Castell, fits the club’s preference for the stars of tomorrow since ALK Capital completed their takeover in 2020.
Of the 20 new players they brought to the club ahead of their promotion-winning Championship campaign in 2024-25, 12 were aged 25 or under.
The following season in the Premier League, the Clarets stuck to this model, with seven of their 15 arrivals being 25 or under. Three were over 30, including veteran defender and former England international Kyle Walker.
Castell shows plenty of promise but, at just 19, is still very much in development.
While a younger squad may have struggled to compete at the top level, it’s been effective in the second tier – and Walker will be wanting to add a Championship trophy to the overflowing cabinet filled with accolades from his years at Manchester City.
Are they likely contenders?
Burnley know how to run a promotion campaign.
They do not tend to linger in the second tier too long and both previous managers that were appointed by owner Alan Pace – Kompany and Parker – won promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
But yo-yoing between the first and second tiers suggests they have an unsustainable model – and this year could be their most perilous yet.
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