STANLEY PENS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

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Defender signs deal until 2027

2026-07-18T11:00+01:00

STANLEY PENS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

Defender signs deal until 2027

2026-07-18T11:00+01:00

STANLEY PENS FIRST PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

Burnley Football Club can confirm that Michael Stanley has signed his first professional contract that runs until the summer of 2027, with the Club having a one-year extension option.

The defender established himself as a key figure in the U18s group last season, playing in all but four of the team’s league matches at category one level.

Having formalised his new deal, he said: “I’m proud, to be honest.

“It’s something you work towards your whole life, sacrificing a lot of time. To finally be told that you’re getting your first professional contract is something that you dream of.

“The start of my first (scholarship) year was quite tough, but towards the end I started to make my way into the team. I had problems with injuries and illness in my second year too, but I think I had a good season.

“There’s a change in intensity now stepping up to the U21s and playing in Premier League 2, but it should be a good challenge.”

Born and raised on Merseyside, Stanley joined Burnley from Premier League outfit Everton in his U16 year.

The 18-year-old subsequently signed his two-year scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and was part of the U18 Professional Development League North winning squad.

This season has seen Stanley gain plenty of valuable learning experience at centre-back and right-back, playing against some of the best young players in the country.

He has also earned seven appearances at U21s level, four of which came in Premier League 2 matches.

Academy Manager Chris Casper added: “It’s been great to see Michael’s development under Tony Philliskirk and Matt Walsh last season.

“He has taken his U21s opportunities confidently when they’ve come too, so I look forward to watching him continue to grow in the coming months.”