Derren Howard
Dan Burn has completed a transfer to Newcastle United for a fee believed to be in the region of £13m.
The 29-year-old central defender moves to his hometown club, where he was a season-ticket holder as a boy.
Manager Graham Potter said: “We were not actively looking to sell Dan during this window, but the transfer represents a very good transfer for our club and the player.
“Newcastle are Dan’s boyhood club, and this move allows him to potentially play out the rest of his career at his home club.
“Ever since I have been at the club, Dan has been brilliant for me. He is a superb professional, adaptable and a great character on and off the pitch.
“We will miss him here, but we understand his reasons for wanting to move and he goes with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.”
Burn joined Albion on a four-year deal from Wigan Athletic in August 2018 and went back to Wigan on loan until the 2019 January transfer window.
The 6ft 7in defender began his career in Newcastle United’s academy, but dropped into non-league football to begin his senior career.
An impressive twoyear spell at Darlington led to a move to Fulham, then in the Premier League. He moved to Wigan in 2016 and was a regular for the Latics, where he caught Albion’s attention. He made his Seagulls debut in the goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion in an Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie. Under Potter, Burn has been utilised across the left side of the defence. He has made 85 senior appearances for the club, scoring twice.
Burn said: “I’m buzzing to be here. I never thought I’d be in this position so to be a Newcastle player and to be around St James’ Park, it’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was a kid.
“I can’t wait to step out in the shirt and to see what it feels like. From sitting in the East Stand as a kid to now, it’s crazy. I’m excited to get started.”
His new boss Eddie Howe said: “I’m delighted to bring Dan back to the North East. He knows exactly what it means to represent this club and he will be a big presence for us on and off the pitch.
“We have been very keen to add competition defensively and Dan fits the profile we have been looking for. He is naturally left-footed, which provides further balance to our backline, and he will be a great addition to the group.”
‘A good feeling’ - Brighton’s flying defender agrees contract extension
Albion are delighted to confirm that Odel Offiah has signed a new contract that runs until June 2024.
The 19-year-old defender made his professional debut in the Carabao Cup win over
Cardiff City in August, before earning his first start in the Emirates FA Cup victory at West Brom in January.
Offiah, who is the nephew of former Rugby League star Martin Offiah, said: “I am delighted to sign the new contract, it’s a good feeling to be recognised for the work that I’ve put in since I joined. “It’s a great club to be at and there’s a real pathway for young players to make their breakthrough.
“I’ve tried to build on everything I have done so far, I made my debut and then my first start this season, so I am really happy with the opportunities I have had.
“I know I need to keep working hard to get another opportunity and being given the chance to train with the first team means that I get to show the first team staff what I am about. I want to keep progressing.”
Offiah joined Albion from Bromley in 2017 and has progressed through the academy, featuring regularly for the under-23s this campaign.
13
Million - Burns transfer fee 85 Senior appearances
He is a superb professional and a great character