According to the BBC, former England number one Joe Hart is just a medical away from joining Burnley in a deal worth around £4million. The 31-year-old is expected to complete the move in the next few days.
The move is not a terrible one for Hart, who has one-year left on his contract at City. Hart has spent the last two seasons out on loan at Torino and last season at West Ham. However, reportedly he is determined to make a permanent move this summer.
Burnley in need of a ‘keeper
On paper, the goalkeeping area is probably the last department of the team that the Clarets need to strengthen. Boss Sean Dyche already has two very good goalkeepers in Tom Heaton and Nick Pope available to him.
However, Pope dislocated his shoulder in the Europa League against Aberdeen. The former Charlton goalkeeper is expected to be sidelined until the New Year with the injury.
England international Heaton is also currently out of action through injury. The Clarets only fit senior goalkeeper is former Manchester United stopper Anders Lindegaard, who has played very few games for the team from Lancashire. The Clarets looking at Hart for the reported fee is understandable, especially at the mooted fee.
Still a decent goalkeeper
Joe Hart has been a very good goalkeeper in the past. Maybe at times he has been overconfident in his ability, and come across as arrogant, but his overconfidence should not take away from his ability.
The 31-year-old has made mistakes in the past. However, he is only human and most players make mistakes. The problem for Hart is that he set such high standards in the early part of his career that people judge him more harshly when he slips up.
Some critics would have everybody believe that Hart is some sort of bumbling idiot, who couldn’t catch a cold. However, that is far from the truth.
The move suits all parties
Joe Hart is a goalkeeper with immense experience at both club and international level. Maybe a permanent move away from City can help him regain his focus and his concentration.
The fact that Hart will be competing with the likes of Heaton and Pope will surely push him to work harder than ever before to regain his form. Hart’s experience will only help the younger Pope.
Burnley had struggled to sign players, with centre-back Ben Gibson their only summer signing so far. The signing of Hart would be a bit of a coup for the Clarets. If Hart joins the club from Lancashire, then the Clarets will have three England international keepers on their books.
This move seems to suit everybody. Manchester City have no interest in retaining Hart, the goalkeeper wants a move and Burnley need an extra goalkeeper everybody wins in the deal.
The only question mark about the deal is what happens when all three goalkeepers are fit. That is a question for another day, as for now, it looks like a move that makes sense for everybody.
Will Joe Hart be a good signing for Burnley?
