Extending Ben Mee’s contract was the perfect start to the summer transfer window as Burnley prepare for another season in the top-flight.
The 30-year-old has been a huge part of the Clarets’ journey to becoming an established Premier League side in recent years and will remain at Turf Moor until the summer of 2022. Mee has made more than 300 appearances during his time in East Lancashire, becoming a fan favourite for his heroic defending.
Fans will be hoping to see a few fresh faces arrive before the new season gets underway, but securing Mee’s future is arguably even more important given the number of players entering the final year of their contracts.
Twb first team players could leave Turf Moor on a free transfer next summer including Ashley Westwood, Jay Rodriguez and Jack Cork. The Clarets must act early to ensure history does not repeat itself after losing Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon, Joe Hart and Adam Legzdins during ‘Project Restart’.
Extending Mee’s deal is also important given Leicester City’s interest in defensive partner James Tarkowski. The Foxes have been linked with Tarkowski several times over the past 12 months and European football could be enough to entice the English international away from Turf Moor.
The pair are crucial to Burnley’s strong defensive record, having started more than 50 consecutive league games together before Mee was sidelined by a hamstring problem.
Mee’s leadership on the field is another reason why keeping hold of the former Manchester City youngster is so important. He was appointed club captain last summer following the sale of Tom Heaton to Aston Villa.
The defender has proved on many occasions why he deserves the armband – most notably when he gave a powerful, intelligent speech after a ‘White Lives Matter’ banner was flown above the Etihad back in June.
Mee’s extension could kick-off a busy transfer window for the Clarets, who have been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash. Cash is reportedly available for a £20 million price tag amid interest from Southampton and Sheffield United.