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Burnley striker Ashley Barnes has been given an update on his future at Turf Moor by Scott Parker.
Burnley will face Millwall at home on the final day of the 2024/25 Championship season. With automatic promotion sealed, Burnley will go head-to-head with Leeds United for the Championship title, where Scott Parker’s side will have to better their result.
It has been a brilliant season for the Clarets, as recognised by Burnley boss Scott Parker being handed the Manager of the Year accolade at the EFL awards, but planning ahead of the upcoming Premier League season has already seemingly started, with promotion confirmed.
One decision that looms for Parker is the future of striker Ashley Barnes, whom he was asked about in his recent press conference, and whether he will be at the club next season.
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Burnley boss Scott Parker gives Ashley Barnes future update ahead of Championship title decider
Speaking in his final press conference of the season, Parker was quizzed over Barnes’ contract situation, admitting he is yet to decide whether the striker will remain at Turf Moor for next season’s Premier League campaign.
On whether he has decided to extend Barnes’ contract, he said: “Not at the moment. No.
“We’ve not really discussed in great detail next year or certainly how it would look in terms of players’ contracts. We’ve got one game left, and that’s been the main focus.
“But Ashley Barnes has been incredible since he’s come in, and there’s an opportunity for him at the weekend as well, depending on the decision I make.
“Either way, if he starts or he comes off the bench, we know it’s a given with what we’ll see.”
Barnes has endured two stints at Turf Moor, the first spinning nine years before his departure, where he then moved to Norwich City, before returning to Burnley this year to play a limited role on the pitch, but still no doubt playing a crucial part in the dressing room.
Scott Parker must consider keeping Ashley Barnes for a key reason
Whilst Barnes hasn’t been the top choice for Burnley in regards to striker options, with the 35-year-old notching just 48 minutes across 12 substitute appearances, he still holds much value in Parker’s squad for one key reason.
The experience that Barnes has could be crucial for the younger ranks within the squad, and could potentially help shape the next generation of Burnley forwards.
As a wildcard from off the bench as well, Barnes, even in the swansong of his career, still provides a useful option for Parker.