According to reports by Alan Nixon, Burnley have opened negotiations to sign former England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey on a free transfer.
The Clarets, currently sitting second in the Championship table, are looking to bolster their squad as they mount a serious promotion push in the second half of the season.
Promotion Ambitions Drive January Activity
Under manager Scott Parker, Burnley are just one point behind Leeds United in the race for automatic promotion. Despite their strong position, the Clarets are keen to add reinforcements in January. They recently welcomed striker Ashley Barnes back from Norwich City and are now targeting Shelvey to strengthen their midfield.
Shelvey, who most recently played in Turkey with Eyupspor, parted ways with the club last week after making just six appearances this season. The 32-year-old also spent time at Rizespor during his stint in Turkey. Burnley see his experience and technical ability as valuable assets in their bid to return to the Premier League.
Championship Pedigree
Shelvey’s record in the Championship speaks for itself. Across 70 appearances in the division, he has contributed 14 goals and 14 assists. His last spell in the Championship came in 2017, when he played a pivotal role for Newcastle United under Rafael Benitez, helping them win the league with 14 goal contributions from midfield.
At 32, Shelvey remains a player of high technical quality, and his experience could prove invaluable for Burnley. Known for his passing range and vision, he can provide the creative spark that the Clarets will need as they battle for promotion.
Potential Debut Against Rivals
If the deal goes through, Shelvey’s Burnley debut could come in a blockbuster fixture against Sunderland at Turf Moor next Friday night. Sunderland, another promotion hopeful, are also bitter rivals of Shelvey’s former club, Newcastle United. Although Shelvey never featured in a Tyne-Wear derby, the opportunity to face Sunderland would undoubtedly carry extra significance for him and the Newcastle faithful.
Burnley fans will be eagerly anticipating how Shelvey’s arrival could impact their promotion charge, and the midfielder will be motivated to prove he still has plenty to offer at this level.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
