Transfer Story
According to BBC Sport, Burnley are closing in on the stunning capture of Joe Hart.
Sources believe Burnley will have to splash £4 million in order to acquire the services of Hart, who will be more than willing to take a pay-cut after spending the last couple of seasons on loan at Torino and West Ham United. He will also become Burnley’s first signing, leaving Tottenham Hotspur as the only Premier League team yet to make a signing this summer.
Here at MAEPL, we will discuss the pros and cons of Hart’s potential transfer to Burnley.
Pros
Joe Hart will be a great addition to Burney given their plethora of issues in the goalkeeping department. First choice keeper Nick Pope has been ruled out for up to three months with an injury. Additionally, second choice keeper Tom Heaton is apparently recovering from a calf injury, leaving the Clarets’ goalkeeping department reeling.
Thus, Hart is indeed a viable target for Sean Dyche’s men this summer. His vast experience of playing in the English top-flight coupled with his undeniable talent is sure to aid Burney in this new season. He can not only provide fresh competition in the goalkeeping department but will also emerge as a real leader from the back.
A move to Turf Moor will be a prudent choice for Hart, on a personal level, as it will offer him the opportunity to feature regularly in the first-team, albeit for the first three months. And the Manchester City star will surely be eager to redeem himself following two disappointing seasons.
Cons
Despite being regarded as one of England’s top goalkeepers in the last decade, Hart has shown significant weaknesses in his game during the past couple of years. His drawbacks as a ball-playing keeper cost him his place as City’s number one which was followed by his omission from the England national team after a number of errors. Thus, Hart’s deterioration is quite evident.
Hart featured in 19 matches last season, keeping only four clean sheets which resulted in him being dropped from the first team at West Ham.
Verdict
Given Burnley’s problems in the goalkeeping department, the addition of someone like Joe Hart will definitely be revitalizing despite his struggles in the past couple of years. He has proven himself in the past and has the experience and hunger now, making him a smart signing as the Clarets look to replicate last season’s performance in the forthcoming campaign.
Stat courtesy: Transfermarkt
