Burnley boss Sean Dyche finally lands long-term target Dale Stephens as experienced midfielder joins from Brighton on two-year deal
- The midfielder has been the subject of several bids over the past four years
- He has joined for a fee understood to be £1m, potentially rising to £2.5m
- The 31-year-old has been at Brighton for six years, making 223 appearances
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has finally landed long-term target Dale Stephens from Brighton on a two-year deal.
The Bolton-born midfielder, 31, has been the subject of several bids over the past four years and joined the Clarets for a fee understood to be £1million, potentially rising to £2.5m.
Stephens told the Burnley website: ‘I’m very happy. It’s probably taken a few more years than expected but I’m happy to get it over the line this week and finally become a Burnley player.
Experienced midfielder Dale Stephens has joined Burnley from Brighton on two-year deal
‘I’ve been away from the North-West for a while. It’s nice to come back to where the family resides as well.
‘But most importantly I’m coming back to a Premier League football club that’s done well in recent years in this league and I’m excited for that challenge.’
Burnley have long been interested in Stephens, who added: ‘I’m probably a better player now than when Burnley tried to sign me initially, with the experience I’ve had over the last three years.
‘I’ve probably learned a lot playing in this division for the last few years.
The 31-year-old midfielder has been at Brighton for six years, making 223 appearances
‘Individually, I want to play as many games as I can at as a high a level as possible and, collectively, help us improve as a team and finish as high as we can in the Premier League.’
The 31-year-old has been at Brighton for six years, making 223 appearances.
Brighton head coach Graham Potter said: ‘The number of appearances Dale has made for the club speaks volumes for his contribution to the team over recent seasons.
‘He has been a model professional throughout my time at the club and, as one of the more senior members of our squad, he has been a great influence and example to the younger players coming through.
‘We have fantastic competition for the midfield positions and with Dale’s desire to play regularly, this represents a good move for both the club and Dale; he leaves with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.’