Burnley announce signing of Hennessey on free transfer
Burnley have confirmed the signing of Wayne Hennessey on a free transfer after the goalkeeper left Crystal Palace upon the expiry of his contract.
Hennessey has agreed a two-year deal with the Premier League club, with the option of a further year.
The 34-year-old has a wealth of experience having played in 11 separate seasons in the English top-flight, including eight with Palace.
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Hennessey is also capped 96 times by Wales, which is a record for a goalkeeper and only six appearances behind the all-time holder Chris Gunter.
Burnley’s goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer has told the club’s official website that Hennessey is “a top-class goalkeeper and a great professional.”
“You only have to look at his record,” said Mercer.
“He has played 96 times for Wales and 181 Premier League games, so he’s got bags of experience. He is a top-class goalkeeper and a great professional.
“He’s a great addition to what we already have as a great group of goalkeepers.”
The ex-Wolves man will join fellow ‘keepers Nick Pope, Will Norris and Northern Ireland international Peacock-Farrell at the Lancashire club.
“Bailey and Will are fantastic goalkeepers in their own right, but in terms of Premier League they are still relatively inexperienced,” added Mercer.
“Wayne has bags of experience but it’s not just a given that he will come in and be in a certain position. He’s going to have to work hard for it which he’s proved over the years is what he does.
“He works hard at training and works hard at his game. He still got a desire to play for his country, which is really good.
“He has a passion because he wants to get to 100 caps, which is incredible when you look at the goalkeepers who have played for Wales before him. I am excited and it is strengthening the goalkeeping department that little bit more.”
Burnley have also been linked with a move for Lyon left-back Maxwel Cornet.
French outlet L’Equipe says that Burnley have made an approach for Cornet and haven’t been put off by his price tag, which stands at €13million (£11.2m).
They look set to bid for the player as they attempt to improve Sean Dyche’s options in defence.
Cornet could compete with the likes of Charlie Taylor and Erik Pieters for a starting spot at Turf Moor next season.