Burnley are working to secure the futures of CJ Egan-Riley, Connor Roberts, and Josh Brownhill as their contracts edge closer to expiry, manager Scott Parker has confirmed.
The club remains locked in discussions with the trio in an attempt to avoid losing them for free at the end of the season. However, Parker has also emphasised the need for his players to stay focused on their immediate objective—securing promotion back to the Premier League.
“Some talks are ongoing with those players,” Parker said. “I think I’m conscious of obviously getting into real great detail with players in the middle of the season, certainly the young players. But yes, they’re players that we want to keep here.”
Balancing Negotiations and Promotion Push
While Parker acknowledges the importance of contract discussions, he is keen to ensure they do not become a distraction.
“We want them to be part of it and there’s ongoing talks with each of those players,” he added. “But like I said, I don’t want to blur that too much with what the job in hand is and defocus them.”
Burnley are currently pushing for a swift return to the top flight, and keeping key players beyond the summer will be crucial for their long-term plans.
Other Contract Decisions Loom
Nathan Redmond is another player whose contract expires at the end of the season, although Burnley have an option to extend his deal by a further year. The 30-year-old recently returned from a lengthy injury, featuring in the latter stages of Burnley’s FA Cup victory over Southampton.
Additionally, the Clarets signed Jonjo Shelvey and Ashley Barnes in January on short-term deals until the summer, with their futures beyond this season yet to be determined.
Writer’s View
Burnley’s intent to keep hold of Egan-Riley, Roberts, and Brownhill is understandable—each has been an important figure in the squad. However, with promotion on the line, Parker is right to prioritise performance over negotiations for now. The club must strike a balance, ensuring these talks do not unsettle the dressing room while securing key contracts to avoid summer uncertainty.
