Carlton Palmer suggests that Burnley’s sale of Aro Muric to Ipswich Town could pose a challenge for the Clarets amid ongoing interest in their goalkeeper James Trafford.
Burnley is gearing up for the Championship under new manager Scott Parker, who recently took over from Vincent Kompany after the team’s relegation from the Premier League. Despite their difficulties in the top flight, both Muric and Trafford attracted significant interest throughout the transfer window.
Muric, the Kosovan goalkeeper, completed a reported £15 million move to Ipswich Town on Wednesday afternoon as Kieran McKenna’s side prepares for their return to the Premier League after 22 years.
The next steps for Burnley remain uncertain as they prepare for the new season, which kicks off in just over three weeks.
Carlton Palmer highlights a potential issue for Burnley following the confirmed deal with Ipswich Town.
Muric’s transfer to Portman Road will see the Championship side receive an initial £10 million, with an additional £5 million possible if certain add-on clauses are fulfilled.
Palmer has shared his assessment of the deal from both perspectives, emphasizing the need for Scott Parker to swiftly identify a replacement goalkeeper.
| Arijanet Muric’s senior career – Transfermarkt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Club | Seasons | Appearances |
| Manchester City | 2018-22 | 5 |
| NAC Breda (Loan) | 2018 | 1 |
| Nottingham Forest (Loan) | 2019-20 | 5 |
| Girona (Loan) | 2020-21 | 6 |
| Willem II (Loan) | 2021 | 14 |
| Adana Demirspor (Loan) | 2021-22 | 32 |
| Burnley | 2022 | 55 |
“Ipswich were in need of a new goalkeeper following Vaclav Hladky’s departure at the end of last season when his contract expired after helping the club secure promotion,” Palmer explained to Football League World.
“Muric spent most of the season as the second-choice goalkeeper, but at 25 years old, he brings plenty of experience. The concern for Ipswich is his limited top-flight game time.
“Despite this, Ipswich have brought him in based on his previous experience at this level and internationally. They clearly view him as a strong replacement for Hladky.
“However, this situation leaves Scott Parker facing a challenge. There is significant interest in James Trafford, suggesting he may also leave.
“One would assume Burnley are now looking to sign a goalkeeper.”
Reflecting on Muric’s departure, Palmer believes Burnley couldn’t afford to reject the offer from the newly promoted top-flight team when considering all aspects.
“I believe it’s a sum that Burnley simply couldn’t refuse, absolutely,” the former England international remarked.
“It’s a significant amount for a player who hasn’t accumulated a vast number of senior appearances. His career thus far includes five games at Manchester City, five on loan at Nottingham Forest, six at Girona, 14 at Willem II, and 55 for Burnley since 2022.
“It’s a substantial amount of money for the player and a deal they couldn’t reject. However, it has presented Scott Parker with challenges going forward.”
Burnley need a quick resolution to goalkeeping conundrum
The recent transfer saga between Burnley and Ipswich Town has caused a ripple effect that is likely to frustrate Burnley even more. Hladky, who recently left Portman Road, reportedly turned down a move to Turf Moor in favor of returning to his native Czech Republic, where he is set to join Jablonec.
Additionally, Burnley recently finalized the sale of Bailey Peacock-Farrell to Birmingham City. This leaves England youth international James Trafford as the only goalkeeper currently in the club’s first-team squad, although there is ongoing strong interest from Newcastle United that could lead to changes soon.
As of now, there have been no indications of potential new arrivals in the goalkeeping department for Burnley, which is likely causing frustration among everyone associated with the club. This situation comes at a crucial time as Burnley prepares for what is expected to be a pivotal summer ahead of their imminent return to the Premier League.
Regardless of other developments in the transfer market, manager Scott Parker and his staff will be keen for a swift resolution to this goalkeeping issue with the new season just three-and-a-half weeks away.