Burnley manager Nicky Hayen has addressed the omission of Marcus Edwards and Mike Tresor from the club's 25-man squad, confirming both players have been told they can leave if an opportunity arises. The decision comes as the Clarets, currently 23rd in the Championship with just three points from six games, continue to search for one more addition to improve their struggling side.
Hayen informed the players of the situation one to two weeks ago. "I already informed the players one or two weeks ago that we're looking for players, and if they had an option they could go," the manager said. With the recent arrival of Jamie Vardy, one spot remains open in the registered squad. The club is actively scanning the free agent market for the right profile.
Who else missed out on the squad list?
Edwards and Tresor were not the only players left off the list submitted this week. Goalkeeper Ben Amos, defenders Jordan Beyer, Bashir Humphreys, and Shurandy Sambo, along with forwards Ashley Barnes and Michael Obafemi, were also omitted. Humphreys' absence is due to a knee injury that is expected to keep him out until around mid-December. Hayen suggested the recovery might take longer than the initial eight-week estimate, and the defender will need time to regain match fitness, likely pushing his availability into January when the transfer window reopens.
The full squad situation is a key piece of context for a team that has conceded 13 goals while scoring only seven in their difficult start. Supporters can review the complete registered player list on the club's official squad page.
What happens next for Edwards and Tresor?
The immediate future for the two wingers remains uncertain. If Burnley secures a new signing before the deadline for the squad list is finalized, that player would take the final spot. Should no addition materialize, Hayen has not ruled out reinstating either Edwards or Tresor to fill the vacancy. However, if neither is added and they do not secure a move away, they will be ineligible to play for the first team until at least January. Some foreign transfer windows remain open, offering a potential pathway for a departure.
This squad management occurs against a challenging backdrop. Burnley sits eight points behind league leaders West Ham and urgently needs to start accumulating points. Their next test is a tough away trip to face Swansea City, who are currently second in the table, on September 12th. Fans can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures section.
How does the current form affect planning?
With a record of zero wins, three draws, and three losses, and a recent form line of DLDLL, every decision is magnified. Hayen emphasized the ongoing search is about finding a player who can make a tangible difference. "We're looking. So we still have a spot available at the moment, and we're just looking what is the best profile for us to improve the team," he stated. The return of Josh Cullen, described as a 'six' the team has missed, is a positive, but further reinforcements are clearly desired.
The manager's comments highlight a pragmatic approach to a crowded squad. Letting players know their status early allows them to seek alternatives, while keeping a slot open maintains flexibility in the market. The current standings show the size of the task ahead, making each roster decision critical. Burnley's next Championship fixture is against Swansea City on September 12, 2026.
