Soccer

Burnley complete deal for Ireland under-21 defender Nathan Collins

20-year-old from Leixlip signs four-year deal with Premier League side

Burnley have signed Republic of Ireland under-21 defender Nathan Collins from Stoke City. Photograph: Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Thu Jun 24 2021 - 16:33

Burnley have begun their summer recruitment with the signing of Stoke's Republic of Ireland under-21 defender Nathan Collins.

The 20-year-old from Leixlip, who made 49 appearances for the Potters since his debut in April 2019, has agreed a four-year contract.

“I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump but I think I can be ready for it,” said Collins.

“I want a challenge. That’s why I play football – to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going.

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“The gaffer here has improved many players before, which is another part of why I came to this club.

“I think I’m ready but I just want to improve myself. I want to get better and help this team.”

Collins, a central defender who can also play on the right, had last season prematurely ended by a foot injury in February but is now fully fit.

Clarets chairman Alan Pace said they were pleased to have beaten off competition for the “much sought-after” Collins.

“We believe he will be an excellent addition and we see his signing as an ideal start to our summer’s business and the new collaborative approach to transfer activity now in place at the club, through our technical committee that involves the manager and his coaching staff, the scouting and recruitment teams, along with our data analytics department,” he said.

Nathan Collins