Dan Burn will forever be remembered as one of Newcastle United’s first post-takeover signings.
When PIF bought Newcastle United in 2021, so much was expected of them in the transfer window. Every player under the sun was linked with a move to St James’ Park, as the media fantasised over how the Magpies would spend their new fortune.
Major names were linked, but there was nothing Hollywood about the 2022 January transfer window. Newcastle recruited smartly, with Kieran Trippier the first through the door. There was also the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, which shocked supporters. Despite being in a relegation battle, a Brazil international was somehow convinced to join the club.
Eddie Howe also brought in Dan Burn, with the giant defender arriving from Brighton for £13million. The recruitment of Burn coincided with Newcastle failing to sign Sven Botman and Diego Carlos, as Howe scrambled to strengthen his centre-back options.
When the deal was announced, it was unclear if Burn would prove to be the answer.
Dan Burn’s impact at Newcastle United
Almost three years on and Burn is still just as important to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United. He has been one of the Magpies’ most consistent performers during what has been an up and down start to the season, as Burn continues to exceed expectations at Newcastle.
He has had a seismic impact at St James’ Park, both on and off the pitch.
That is according to the Athletic, who have spoken to a first-team source about Dan Burn’s role at Newcastle United.
They have been told that Burn’s arrival in 2022 was seen as ‘strange’, as he was not on the club’s initial list of targets.
Fast forward to December 2024, with Burn’s three-year anniversary as a Newcastle player looming, the same first-team source has told the Athletic that the 32-year-old is now viewed as an ‘unbelievable’ player for his impact on and off the pitch.
Burn’s Newcastle United longevity under threat after Eddie Howe’s announcement
Since arriving on Tyneside, there has barely been a time when Burn has not been in the starting XI. Whether it has been at centre-back or left-back, Howe has found a way to get the local lad in the side.
However, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Burn based on what Howe said during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Brentford game.
Howe revealed that Sven Botman is back in full training, and could be ready to play competitive games in a few weeks after an ACL injury back in March. That is a huge boost for the Magpies, as Botman was immense during his first season at St James’ Park.
A fully fit Botman is a major threat to Burn, who has taken the Dutchman’s place in the starting XI during his absence.
With his return looming, Burn is suddenly under pressure to perform well enough to keep Botman out of the side.
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