3 players that could save Burnley FC millions of pounds | OneFootball

Burnley may not have to rebuild their squad this summer after keeping hold of several first-teamers.

Jack Cork and Johann Berg Gudmundsson may have been released, but Josh Brownhill and Bailey Peacock-Farrell's contracts have been extended by a further year and they look set to remain at Turf Moor for another season.

The likes of Connor Roberts and Anass Zaroury, meanwhile, have returned to Lancashire following the end of their loan spells at Leeds United and Hull City and could be crucial players for the Clarets again next season.

There may be areas that they will need to address, with some of their first-teamers potentially set to be the subject of interest from other clubs in the coming months.

But they may need to look internally and promote some of their youngsters after spending heavily last season.

We take a look at three of their young players who could save the club millions by making the step up to the senior squad.

1 Charlie Casper

Goalkeeper Casper featured on the bench for the Clarets on a number of occasions during the 2022/23 campaign, but he is yet to make his senior debut for the club.

Despite this, he has been an important player for the U21s and he's clearly someone who the Lancashire outfit can trust with the goalkeeper being called up to the first team when they were last in the Championship.

He could be required at some point too, with James Trafford (pictured above) being heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Aro Muric and Peacock-Farrell are likely to be ahead of Casper in the pecking order next term, but the latter's presence could prevent the Clarets from needing to invest in another shot-stopper.

If one of Muric or Peacock-Farell sustain an injury after Trafford's potential exit, Vincent Kompany's successor will know that Casper can make the step up to the senior squad.

2 Michael Mellon

Striker Mellon could be a younger alternative to the experienced Rodriguez - and could even be his successor in the long term.

The Scotland youth international is yet to play for the Clarets' first team, but he made a real impression at League Two side Morecambe last term and he's definitely a player worth having at Turf Moor next season if they need to work within a tight budget.

The argument could be made that Mellon would benefit from going out on loan, where he's likely to get more game time, but he may be required as a forward option if the Lancashire side find themselves short of depth in this area.

David Datro Fofana has returned to Chelsea and Michael Obafemi and Wout Weghorst's futures are uncertain following the end of their respective loan spells, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Mellon manages to get some first-team experience under his belt next term.

3 Vernon Masara

Attacker Masara recently put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Turf Moor, securing his long-term future there.

He may only be 17, but the forward has already made a real impact in the academy, scoring 21 in all competitions for the U21s and the U18s during the 2023/24 season.

As mentioned above, more depth and quality may be required in the attacking department next season and the addition of Masara to the first team could enhance their chances of promotion next season.

He's a highly-rated figure and having already made the step up to the U21 team, it only feels like a matter of time before he makes an impact at a senior level.