Clarets strike duo extend their stay at Turf Moor

Burnley strikers Jay Rodriguez and Matej Vydra have extended their contracts at Turf Moor.
Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze at Turf MoorBurnley striker Jay Rodriguez and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze at Turf Moor
Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze at Turf Moor

The duo have signed up for a further year to prolong their stays to June, 2022.

Vydra, 28, has been a Burnley player since signing from Derby County in August, 2018, while Burnley-born Rodriguez, 31, returned for a second spell with the Clarets when he re-joined the club from West Bromwich Albion in July, 2019.

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Both frontmen are vital members of the Clarets’ squad and last season helped Sean Dyche’s side record only Burnley’s second ever top-10 finish in the Premier League.

Brighton's English defender Adam Webster (L) chases back as Burnley's Czech striker Matej Vydra (C) runs at goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on November 6, 2020.Brighton's English defender Adam Webster (L) chases back as Burnley's Czech striker Matej Vydra (C) runs at goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on November 6, 2020.
Brighton's English defender Adam Webster (L) chases back as Burnley's Czech striker Matej Vydra (C) runs at goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on November 6, 2020.

Rodriguez scored 11 times during the campaign to move within two goals of 100 in League football.

And the England international is delighted to be prolonging his stay at a club where he started his career and made his first senior appearance in December, 2007.

“I’m really pleased. I’ve enjoyed my time here with a great bunch of lads and, obviously, being in my home town with my family and friends is an added bonus,” said Rodriguez, who ended his first stay in 2012 to start a five-year spell with Southampton.

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“On the football side I’m enjoying playing, want to play more and still have a lot to give. I feel fresh, fit and ready to go.

“Going into your thirties you might get looked at differently compared to being young, but I always look at my stats and maybe do a bit more recovery than when I was 19.

“With all the facilities here it’s a lot easier to look after yourself and feel fresh for each training session and each game and long may it continue. I will just keep giving 100 per cent.

“I always feel I need to keep improving and working on my game. As long as you keep doing that, I think it’s good for your mind and for your body.”

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Meanwhile, Vydra is happy to have more of his future mapped out after nine moves – either permanently or loan – in as many years prior to his arrival at Turf Moor.

The Czech international has since made 47 appearances for the Clarets, scoring twice this season.

“It’s really good for my family to be settled and to know that we will be here for another year,” said Vydra.

“It’s been a successful time for the club while I’ve been here, playing in Europe and doing well in the Premier League.

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“I get on well with all my team-mates here and it’s a good group to be part of.

“I still want to play my part and that’s something I’m aiming to keep doing.”

The contract extensions for Rodriguez and Vydra follow a similar move to keep captain Ben Mee at Turf Moor for at least a further 12 months until the end of the 2021/22 season.

And with midfielder Ashley Westwood signing a new three-year deal at the start of the season, the Clarets safeguarded the future of another of their key players.