Former Arsenal youngster agrees new contract at Burnley

Young midfielder Josh Benson has agreed a new contract at Burnley after recently impressing with the first team.
Josh BensonJosh Benson
Josh Benson

The 21-year-old, who was out of contract in the summer, has signed a deal until June 2023 with the option of a further 12 months.

The former Arsenal youth made his Premier League bow at Manchester City last month, and impressed in a brief cameo as a substitute against Everton the week after, having caught the eye in three appearances in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A delighted Benson said: “I feel like it’s the start of my career and I need to build on this.

“I’m really happy here. I’ve worked hard for this and now I just want to crack on and focus on my football.

“It’s been a great few weeks.

"I’ve been getting more confident, playing the games, and now the club has shown faith in me I feel even more confident and hopefully I can push on and deliver on the pitch.”

Benson joined the Clarets’ Academy in 2018 after being released by Arsenal and impressed at Under-23 level before Ian Holloway took him on loan to Grimsby Town last season with Anthony Glennon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Thurrock-born central midfielder made 11 appearances for the League 2 Mariners side before the EFL campaign was curtailed by the Covid pandemic.

Benson was then part of the Clarets’ first-team squad post-lockdown following his return to Turf Moor and has progressed further this season to earn his new deal.

He added: “It’s been a big transition moving up north and I’ve enjoyed it here.

“It’s a great club and I feel like I’ve matured a lot, developed as a player here, and realised it’s a different life from being a boy to a man, moving away from home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Being at a Premier League club has been a dream of mine and now I’m training regularly, being on the bench and starting to get some minutes with the first team it’s becoming a reality.

“I just want to be the best player I can be and play as many games as possible.

“This is just the start and I want to build on it and hopefully earn more contracts in the future.”