Newcastle United have signed Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £13m deal on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Burn’s return to Newcastle comes as the Magpies seek defensive reinforcement in their battle for Premier League survival, whilst also marking a return to St James’ Park for the Brighton defender who was released from Newcastle’s Youth Academy.
Newcastle will pay Brighton a £13m transfer fee plus add-ons with Burn signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with his boyhood club until summer 2024.
Speaking about his decision to return to Newcastle almost two decades after being released at 11 years-old, Burn said: “I’m buzzing to be here. I never thought I’d be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St. James’ Park, it’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid.”
Burn also spoke of his pride at re-joining his childhood club as he continued: “I can’t wait to step out in the shirt and to see what it feels like. From sitting in the East Stand as a kid to now, it’s crazy. I’m excited to get started.”
Manager, Eddie Howe added that he was “delighted” to sign Burn and insists that the defender “knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be a big presence for us on and off the pitch.”
Burn is the second defensive signing on Deadline Day for Newcastle following Matt Targett’s arrival on loan from Aston Villa, with Howe iterating that adding extra defensive competition was important in their transfer business.
Howe explained exactly why the Magpies chose to sign Burn as he commented: “He is naturally left-footed, which provides further balance to our backline, and he will be a great addition to the group.”
Brighton manager, Graham Potter meanwhile paid tribute to Burn as he insisted that the transfer is “very good” for both the Seagulls and Burn, despite having “not actively” looked to sell the 29 year-old this month.
Potter also graciously acknowledged that Newcastle is Burn’s childhood club and is delighted that “this move allows him to potentially play out the rest of his career at his home club.”
Reflecting on his time coaching Burn since he arrived at the AMEX, Potter continued: “Ever since I have been at the club, Dan has been brilliant for me. He is a superb professional, adaptable and a great character on and off the pitch.
“We will miss him here, but we understand his reasons for wanting to move and he goes with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.”
This move will see Burn return to his childhood club as a first-team player after having started his senior career at North East rivals – Darlington in 2009, following a spell playing youth football at New Hartley then his two hometown clubs – Blyth Town and Blyth Spartans.
The 29 year-old has since gone on to enjoy successful stints at Fulham and Wigan, although he spent time on loan at Yeovil and Birmingham City between 2012-14 seasons during his stay at Craven Cottage.
Burn however didn’t attract attention of top-flight clubs until he impressed with six goals in 53 appearances for Wigan in 2017-18 League One season, which led Brighton to swoop for him in August 2018 only to send him back to the Latics on loan until January 2019.
After a period of adjustment during the second half of 2018-19 season, Burn soon firmly established himself within Brighton’s defence with two goals in 82 appearances for the Seagulls in the last two-and-a-half seasons.
Burn could make his senior debut for Newcastle on Tuesday 8 February against Everton at home at St James’ Park in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off live on BT Sport.
Burn’s arrival has seen Newcastle secure a fifth signing of this month’s transfer window following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Targett.
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