Newcastle United have been particularly active in the transfer market in recent seasons, having been handed a substantial sum of money to invest in the playing squad following the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) ownership in 2021.
The investment has allowed the club to make significant progress under manager Eddie Howe, with the club able to bring in some top-tier talent at St James’ Park.
Players like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak have excelled and undeniably enhanced the Magpies’ roster, with their efforts last season helping the team qualify for the Champions League – an incredible feat given their 11th-place finish in 2021/22.
However, despite the tremendous expenditure of nearly £420 million, the club has battled significantly with squad depth, and the Magpies’ league standing has suffered as a result.
The Magpies are currently in tenth place, 16 points behind the top four, with a second consecutive season of European play at St James’ looking doubtful.
Despite the injuries, one player has remained fit but has struggled to reproduce his strong form from last season, with the talent appearing well past his prime in recent weeks.
Dan Burn’s stats for Newcastle in 2023/24
Dan Burn, a Newcastle-born defender, was one of the first recruits following the PIF takeover, and the 6 foot 6 defender had an immediate impact at St James.
Despite his large frame, he was primarily used as a left-back for Howe last season, when the side finished fourth in the Premier League. He wowed with his defensive abilities, but it looks that the majority of his opponents have caught on.
Despite his recent underwhelming efforts, he has still achieved some remarkable stats during the 2023/24 season. Burn is ranked in the top 2% and 5% of Premier League players in terms of aerials won and clearances, respectively.
However, Howe is concerned about his lack of pace and intensity down the left side when faced with quick wingers, as he proved against Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.
Anthony Elanga puts Nottingham Forest LEVEL through great counter attacking play from Morgan Gibbs-White! 👏🔥 pic.twitter.com/6cTtNOjxFk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 10, 2024
With teenagers Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento waiting for their chance, Howe could try to use the two more, since both are better suited to a full-back role than the £55k-per-week defender.
Dan Burn’s market value in 2024
Burn joined the club for £13 million from Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2022, but his market value has declined drastically since then, with the 31-year-old now valued only £9 million, according to Transfermarkt.
His valuation is far lower than that of Newcastle United teammate Jacob Murphy, who is worth £13 million despite only appearing 11 times in England’s top division this season.
Given Burn’s recent record, it’s unsurprising that his worth has dropped, with the defender unlikely to increase his asking price given his age and recent performances.
His contract expires in June next year, with the defender, who will be 33 when it expires, unlikely to be granted a new term with Howe’s side looking to give youngsters Livramento and Hall more appearances to allow them to improve at St James’.
The club should try to transfer him in the summer while they can still get a money for him. It is unlikely that the Magpies will repay the £13 million they paid for him, but it will keep him from leaving on a free transfer next year.
He’s currently impeding the development of several young players at St James’, with the club needing to operate in a ruthless manner to compete for a Champions League position next season.
