Burnley FC has progressed a long way from the former life of the club as a rough-around-the-edges Championship club at best. Since the arrival of ALK Capital and Scott Parker a few years ago, the Clarets have made significant strides in the transfer market, which once saw the club reluctant to spend money. Now, they are investing in the future, and have put their money where their mouth is, spending big on some of the most talented youngsters around.
As of July 23, 2025, Burnley FC’s five most expensive signings represent ambition, youthfulness and an obvious intent to compete at the top level. Let us look at these landmark signings that have shaped the club’s future.
5 Most Expensive Signings Ever in Burnley FC History Updated 2025
1. James Trafford: £15 million (rising to £19 million with add-ons)
When Burnley made the monumental deal to sign Trafford from Manchester City in July 2023, they broke records by spending £15 million up front, rising to £19 million with add-ons. Trafford was still very inexperienced at the top level, but he proved Burnley’s faith in him to be well placed.
Trafford was phenomenal in the 2024–25 Championship season. He produced a record-breaking 29 clean sheets to equal the record for the English league. He organised an extraordinary run of 12 consecutive clean sheets, with Burnley conceding just 16 goals out of 46 matches, the best defensive record in the Football League.
Trafford’s maturity, poise, and presence as goalkeeper have made him one of the club’s most valuable assets and a huge part of Burnley’s revival.
2. Loum Tchaouna: £12.9 million
By the summer of 2025, Burnley had continued its upward trajectory by signing French winger Loum Tchaouna from Lazio for £12.9 million. Tchaouna was only 21 when Burnley picked him up, and had no prior top-level experience. He became Burnley’s second record transfer.
Tchaouna has pace, creativity, and trickery to go with ability and is an important piece of Burnley’s attacking puzzle as they push to re-establish themselves as a Premier League club. Tchaouna’s signing also illustrates a new willingness for the club to splash out on young, energetic talent they can develop in the short and long term.
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3. Maxwel Cornet: £12.85 million
The players they spent more on before Tchaouna were Ivorian winger Maxwel Cornet from Olympique Lyonnais on a transfer worth around £12.85 million (€15 million) in August 2021. Cornet’s versatility allowed him to play as a winger and also as a wing-back. He provided energy and a touch of flair to a Burnley side that was fighting for its Premier League status.
Cornet was a shining light in a team that struggled and was the club’s top scorer in the 2021-22 Premier League season. His ability to create openings for others while being direct in his play and getting the ball into the penalty area made him an instant fan favourite and highlighted Burnley’s shift towards more attractive and adventurous recruiting.
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4. Nathan Collins: £12 million
Burnley added talented centre back Nathan Collins, for £12 million, in June 2021, establishing a figure for a defensive signing at Turf Moor. At only 20 years old, Collins was turning heads with the way he defended and played physically.
Collins only spent a short time at Burnley, but left an impression and furthered the club’s philosophy of bringing in youthful players with potential to sell. He was transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers after impressing in the Premier League, supporting Burnley’s strategy of investing in players that would eventually become transfer fee-based.
5. Wout Weghorst: £12 million
Burnley made a statement signing in January 2022 when they captured Dutch striker Wout Weghorst, from VfL Wolfsburg, for around £12 million. The goal was to replace outgoing striker Chris Wood with Weghorst, who could lead the line and bring experience to the Premier League.
Weghorst adapted quickly, and scored key goals against Brighton and West Ham, although Burnley eventually experienced relegation that year. Weghorst’s time at Burnley generally demonstrated the club’s expanded ability to attract international players with proven top-flight experience and pedigree.
How to Buy Pre-Season Burnley Football Club Season Tickets
Purchasing Burnley tickets for the Burnley football club season tickets and the 2025-26 season is easy, especially if you do it through the official channels for their tickets. Burnley FC has an online ticketing service which is easy to use, offers options for supporting the costs through various payment plans, and provides various options for tickets from the Turf Moor ticket office. Burnley football club tickets for pre-season and the full 2025-26 campaign are available from:
- The Burnley FC Ticket Office at Turf Moor
- Online via the official site, burnleyfootballclub.com
- Instalment options via eticketing.co.uk
Season ticket holders also receive priority booking and discounts for home friendlies (i.e., Lazio). It is strongly advisable to book early for Burnley football tickets or Burnley Football Club tickets.
Conclusion
Burnley’s top five signings represent so much more than transfer fees; they represent a paradigm shift. From a record-breaking goalkeeper in Trafford to young talents like Tchaouna, the Clarets are committed to developing a competitive squad for the long term.
They are showing their ambition through spending, a club that not only wants to survive but thrive in the Premier League.
The 2025-26 season will have Burnley fans eagerly waiting to see how these signings will shape the run of play on the pitch.
