Port Vale youngster Tommy McDermott has completed his move to Premier League side Burnley, as announced on Vale’s official X account.
The Manchester-born midfielder has, according to Burnley’s X account, signed an 18-month contract after the deal was completed for an undisclosed fee. Port Vale, who find themselves just three points above the League One drop zone after 26 matches, have recalled McDermott from his loan with National League North outfit Curzon Ashton to sanction this move.
The 18-year-old, who can play in a variety of midfield positions, has very limited exposure to first-team football. Before his short spell with Curzon Ashton, he also appeared on four occasions for National League side Rochdale but has found his minutes limited.
McDermott signed for Vale in 2021 and turned professional having impressed in the Under 18s, where he picked up the 2021-22 Youth Team Player of the Year and made his league debut at the start of the 2022-23 season by former boss Darrell Clarke.
He has only managed a further six appearances for the Valiants since that debut and leaves Vale Park to join up with the Under 21s at Turf Moor. Burnley have also brought in Mikey O’Neill from Preston North End and Michael Parker, who was most recently with Shrewsbury Town, on a free transfer.
The academy at the League One club is thriving, with McDermott’s move coming after repeated reports of interest in 16-year-old attacker Liam Brazier from giants of European football such as Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Writer’s View
Likely, the transfer fee will not put too much of a dent in Burnley’s budget meaning this is almost a free hit for the Lancashire side. They will look to develop McDermott for their first team and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him heading out on loan down the EFL at some point in the future.
Although the transfer fee is undisclosed, Vale will be encouraged that their academy process is working and players are being produced to be sold on for money to be reinvested in the club.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
