4 Burnley players who could be in for big seasons in the Championship

A new season is soon upon us and with that brings fresh hopes and renewed optimism.

While relegation from the Premier League to the Championship is never welcome, it does provide new opportunities for several members of the Burnley squad.

With yet another squad churn already well underway, expect to see another new-look Burnley side take to the field for that season opener against West Ham in a few weeks’ time.

But for those already in the building, many will be thinking they need to grasp their opportunity under new boss Nicky Hayen.

Here we take a look at four Clarets who could be in for big seasons:

Max Weiss

Following the departures of Martin Dubravka and Vaclav Hladky, the number one jersey appears to have been earmarked for the German. Weiss was given a quick taster towards the back end of last season, playing the final three games under interim boss Mike Jackson after relegation had already been confirmed, and the 22-year-old did well. While he’s clearly highly rated, we still haven’t seen enough of the stopper to really get a good judge of his ability. But that all looks about to change. One thing he could benefit from is some genuine competition in the goalkeeping ranks to push him to keep hold of that number one shirt, because as it stands he’s only deputised by those from the youth ranks. Twenty-two is a young age for any player, but especially for a goalkeeper, so inconsistency is to be expected. But this season could be a huge learning curve for Weiss and one that is instrumental in the broader picture of his career.

Bashir Humphreys

While losing fan favourite Maxime Esteve is a huge blow, that blow is cushioned somewhat by having a natural replacement already in house. Bashir Humphreys being that man. That left-sided centre-half position is clearly his preferred spot, but with Esteve ahead of him, he’s rarely, if ever, actually been able to fulfil it since being at Turf Moor. Instead, he’s had to either play at left-back, as he did so well during that promotion-winning season, on the left of a struggling back three or watch on from the substitute’s bench. But this season, with STEVEEEE no more, it feels like . Having come through the academy ranks at Chelsea, and still aged only 23, Humphreys has always been a player with a high ceiling. But he needs a season of 40+ regular appearances, consistent performances and no injuries to really develop and take his game to the next level.

Aaron Ramsey

Still only aged 23, the midfielder should still have his best years ahead of him. But after an injury-blighted last couple of years, the former Aston Villa man is facing something of a crossroads in his career - and it feels this coming season could be crucial. Ramsey endured a nightmare loan spell with Leicester City last season, being shown a straight red on debut and making just nine appearances as the Foxes suffered a surprise relegation to League One. Much like the previous season, when he made a single substitute appearance during Scott Parker’s promotion-winning campaign, that lack of game time was down to injuries. He’s turned out just 19 times in three seasons since that move from Villa Park, but now back fit for pre-season and training normally with his teammates, this feels like the time for him to really kick on and show us the quality we all know he possesses.

Jaydon Banel

With Jaydon Anthony and Loum Tchaouna both leaving, question marks remaining over the futures of Jacob Bruun Larsen and Luca Koleosho, and who knows what to expect with Mike Tresor, it feels like there’s a starting role reserved for Banel - all he’s got to do now is grab it with both hands. Assuming Marcus Edwards starts on the right wing, the left winger slot - where he performed so well on loan for Derby County last season - could be his for the taking. The 21-year-old Dutchman is highly rated at Gawthorpe and did his chances no harm during his temporary stay at Pride Park during the second half of last season, scoring three times in 14 appearances. He’s only made a handful of appearances for the Clarets since signing from Ajax in February 2025, mostly in the cup, but he’s one player that could benefit from the club’s relegation to the second tier.