
Burnley’s season has been exceedingly dismal, and their tenure in the Premier League was finally cut short when their relegation was confirmed in midweek.
With only four wins in 34 games this season and no wins at Turf Moor since October, it was only a matter of time before the East Lancashire club’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed alongside that of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Indeed, their 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night means they can no longer reach West Ham United in 17th place, forcing Scott Parker and his team to prepare for their third season of second-tier playing since 2022.
Their previous two spells at the level were very successful, with them winning the division with 101 points in 2022/23 under Vincent Kompany, and then bouncing back from relegation right away last year, breaking the 100-point mark again but finishing second to Leeds United on goal difference.
However, it is unclear what the future holds for the Clarets and many of their squad members, and Football League World has identified five players who could be likely to leave before 2026/27.
Martin Dubravka

The first of five probable high-profile departures is renowned Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Following the departure of James Trafford to Manchester City, the Clarets signed the 37-year-old on a one-year contract from Newcastle United, where he had previously been a reliable presence. However, the same luck have eluded the Lancashire club this season.
Given his expertise, Dubravka has been an ever-present for Parker this season, but at this point in his career, and given that his contract at Turf Moor expires on June 30th for an ESTIMATED £40,000 per week wage, a parting of ways appears to be the most likely consequence.
Maxime Esteve

It would also be unsurprising to see Burnley lose French centre-back Maxime Esteve, who has previously been the subject of heavy transfer rumors.
Indeed, the 23-year-old was a key member of Parker’s Championship team, which conceded only 16 times last season, before signing a deal until the summer of 2030 in pre-season to quell any remaining speculation.
However, with Burnley now relegated to the Championship and in need of financial stability, Esteve will remain one of their most valuable assets, and given his contract position, a significant transfer price will almost certainly be demanded in the process.
And, given his performance in the second tier last season, the centre-back may see his long-term career elsewhere.
Hannibal

Hannibal, a tough Tunisian midfielder, has also recently established himself as a major Championship contender.
The former Manchester United player has had a mixed relationship with his current club, having signed a four-year contract after leaving the Red Devils in August 2024, and instantly giving steel to Parker’s side alongside Josh Brownhill’s goalscoring skills.
As a result of his high-end second-tier quality, it is unsurprising that the club would want to keep him, but with two years left on his contract and money being so important these days, a top-flight club in England or Europe could potentially come in with an offer that Burnley cannot refuse.
Mike Tresor

However, one player who appears to be a likely to depart Turf Moor is Belgian winger Mike Tresor, who remains an enigma to fans.
The 26-year-old was loaned in from KRC Genk three years ago upon the club’s return to the Premier League, and despite making only 16 appearances, his loan was made permanent for £16 million after an appearance-related provision in the deal was triggered.
Since then, he has made only 10 appearances in all competitions, lately being reintegrated back into the team following an ankle injury that deprived LOSC Lille the opportunity to sign a loan agreement earlier this year.
Tresor is currently under contract until the summer of 2028, therefore a summer sale could provide the club with the best chance of recouping any portion of the aforementioned amount, which has been completely unjustified.
Zean Flemming

It would also be unsurprising if Zian Flemming left the Clarets this summer, given the Dutchman is one of the few players who will be content with their individual Premier League performances.
In what has been the 27-year-old’s first spell in the top flight of English football, he is their top scorer with nine goals in just 25 appearances, though Parker would undoubtedly like to see him build on such a return in the Championship next season, as Burnley are expected to mount an immediate promotion bid.
However, with an overall record of 34 goals and 12 assists in 134 prior second-tier outings with the Clarets and Millwall, Flemming may believe he has outgrown the league and, at his age, will aim to stay in the top flight.
It may be a great transfer for a club like Coventry City, who are switching places with Burnley in the pyramid and may want to strengthen their striking depth under Frank Lampard.
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