Burnley are actively searching for a second goalkeeper to provide competition for Max Weiss, manager Nicky Hayen confirmed this week. The news follows the club's signing of experienced free agent Ben Amos on a short-term deal.
Hayen stated the club remains "looking" for another stopper despite Amos's arrival. The 36-year-old Amos, released by Port Vale at the end of last season, is expected to serve as the third-choice goalkeeper and help meet homegrown player quotas. His signing addressed a critical shortage, as Weiss was the only senior goalkeeper on the books before Wednesday.
Why is Burnley targeting another goalkeeper?
Hayen's priority is to create direct competition for the starting spot. "We're also looking for a second goalkeeper who can compete with Max to keep his high standard," the manager said. "We need competition in the selection so that we push ourselves to the best level." This suggests the new signing would challenge Weiss directly, while Amos provides experienced cover. Weiss, 22, started Burnley's final three Premier League games last season after relegation was confirmed. His pre-season performances were mixed, but he made several excellent saves in the final friendly against Torino.
What does Ben Amos bring to the squad?
Amos arrives as a free agent after his contract with Port Vale expired. Hayen described him as "a senior player who can also play games who protects the culture of the club and also knows the environment." His experience is seen as vital for a young squad. The move also helps Burnley comply with EFL regulations on homegrown players. Fans can see how the goalkeeping department shapes up by viewing the full squad list.
How does this affect the current squad dynamics?
The departure of last season's number one, Martin Dubravka, to Tottenham and backup Vaclav Hladky left a significant gap. Weiss is now the de facto first choice but lacks extensive experience. Hayen praised the German's ability, noting his comfort on the ball suits the team's style. "Max is a solid goalkeeper," Hayen stated. "You saw his saves also against Torino. He's quite comfortable on the ball." The club has been linked with Cercle Brugge's Maxime Delanghe in recent days, indicating their search is focused and ongoing.
What are Burnley's other squad needs?
While bolstering the goalkeeping department is the immediate focus, the club has other areas to address. The Championship season is a long and physically demanding campaign. Maintaining squad depth across all positions will be essential for Burnley's push for promotion. Supporters can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on the official fixtures page. The need for a competitive second goalkeeper underscores a broader strategy to build a resilient squad capable of handling a 46-game league season and cup competitions.
