Dan Burn’s role at Newcastle United is set to change under new manager Matthias Jaissle, with the club captain reportedly facing a reduced playing part as his contract approaches its expiry next summer.
The 34-year-old defender is currently sidelined by an ankle injury and is not expected to return to a prominent position in the first team once he is fit again.
Burn made 44 appearances for Newcastle last season, operating at both left-back and centre-back. However, his prospects have altered as Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw have established themselves as the preferred central defensive pairing.
Fabian Schar has also recently signed a new contract and is regarded as the main back-up option, leaving Burn’s value to the squad increasingly centred on his leadership and experience.
Dan Burn set for bigger dressing-room role at Newcastle
Burn is expected to remain an important presence around the dressing room despite his reduced opportunities on the pitch. The former regular could ultimately move into a coaching position at St James’ Park when his current deal ends, although he could also continue his playing career elsewhere.
His status as club captain means he is still considered to have a significant role during Newcastle’s transition towards a younger squad.
“Dan Burn has been a great servant to Newcastle. He’s club captain as well, so he’s still got an important role to play. Now he’s injured, but I’m sure he still plays a huge role off the pitch as well. I think we’ve seen, sort of, the turnaround at Newcastle…it’s now more of a younger squad,” Pete O’Rourke said.
