Joe Worrall reacts to James Trafford, Josh Brownhill announcement at Burnley
Joe Worrall reacted to an announcement concerning teammates James Trafford and Josh Brownhill from Burnley on social media.
The trio all played their part as the Clarets secured an immediate return to the Premier League, having been relegated under Vincent Kompany in the 2023/24 season.
Burnley finished the season with 100 points, but a last-gasp winner from Manor Solomon for Leeds on the final day of the season saw them finish as runners-up in the Championship title race.
However, that mattered little, with the ultimate goal or a return to the Premier League being achieved.
But Burnley are now facing a different sort of challenge, as they look to not only improve their side in a bid to avoid a second successive relegation, but also hang on to the players that got them back to the top flight.
Josh Brownhill, James Trafford shortlisted for PFA Players’ Player of the Year
Burnley shared two images on Instagram, captioned: “Josh Brownhill and James Trafford have been shortlisted in this year’s Top Six for PFA Championship Players‘ Player of the Year. Well done to both”, with Worrall liking the post.
Trafford kept an astonishing 29 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals for the Clarets last season.
Brownhill, meanwhile, scored 18 goals from midfield and was his side’s top scorer in the Championship.
Burnley face battle to keep key pieces of promotion-winning squad
Football Insider Verdict
The strongest part of Burnley’s side last season was undoubtedly their backline, with Maxime Esteve, CJ Egan-Riley and Trafford forming the core of the league’s stingiest defence.
But the first domino of their indomitable backline has already fallen, and several key players have been linked with a move away from the Clarets.
Egan-Riley has already agreed a switch to Marseille as a free agent, whilst there is interest from Everton and Crystal Palace in Esteve, Mick Brown told Football Insider exclusively.
Trafford also has plenty of suitors and has been heavily linked to Newcastle, with the Magpies keen on signing a replacement for Nick Pope this summer.
Burnley now face the unenviable task of rebuilding the core of their backline with limited funds, having failed to receive a fee for Egan-Riley.