Connor Roberts in action for Wales. (imago Images)
According to a report by The Daily Mail, Connor Roberts is a transfer target for Burnley. The Swansea City defender has spent his entire career on the Welsh side’s books and has just one year remaining on his contract that expires in the summer of 2022. He was also a major part of Wales’ UEFA Euros 2020 campaign.
Roberts featured for the Welsh team as a right-back in each of their 4 games as they made it through to the last 16. However, he suffered an injury against Denmark in a 4-0 drubbing and is now sidelined. But keeping the situation at Burnley in mind, we find out why Sean Dyche would be a wise man to acquire the services of Roberts.
To put it simply, Burnley need a right-back for the future. Currently, they have Matt Lowton and Phil Bardsley in that position. But Bardsley is very much in the twilight of his career at the age of 36 and has just 12 months left on his Clarets contract, according to The Athletic (Subscription Required).
His age is showing, and it is evident from the fact that Dyche only started the Scotsman on three occasions in the Premier League this season. With that in mind, Burnley would undoubtedly want someone younger that can take over the helm in that position for years to come. Can that be Matt Lowton, their first choice full-back on the right side?
Lowton is 32 years old and is not getting any younger. The former Aston Villa defender started all but four of Burnley’s 38 league games this season. When he was out of action, such was the shortage of right-backs at Burnley that Dyche had to resort to playing Erik Pieters there, who is a left-back by trade.
He recently extended his stay at Burnley but that was only until 2023. So the club is in dire need of future-proofing their right-back department. While Lowton is a viable option to have in the team right now, he can’t be expected to start 30+ games forever for the club. In that regard, Roberts seems like an ideal acquisition.
The Swans full-back has a wealth of experience playing in English football. He has racked up more than 200 appearances in senior club football, featuring in an impressive 50 games in all competitions for his side this season. He can bring the same durability to Sean Dyche’s side, who would get a long-term asset in the Welshman.
At 25, he still has a long way to go in his footballing career and would arguably be spending his peak years at Turf Moor if he signs for the Clarets this summer. The situation surrounding Roberts is also suitable for Burnley. He currently has just one year remaining on his contract, making him a financially suitable option.
The Daily Mail report cited above mentions that Burnley’s options also include Everton right-back Jonjoe Kenny. But Roberts could be a cheaper option for them.
And if that’s the case, there is hardly any reason why Burnley should not consider signing the right-back. If they are to stay in the Premier League, such signings would certainly go a long way in ensuring that by increasing the overall quality and depth of their squad.
