Ashley Barnes future uncertain at Burnley
Burnley interim manager Michael Jackson has remained tight-lipped on the future of former Norwich striker Ashley Barnes, whose contract at Turf Moor expires this summer. The Clarets’ Premier League campaign ends this Sunday against Wolves, which is expected to be Barnes’ final game for the club.
Now 36, Barnes is in his second spell with Burnley, having made 319 appearances and scored 58 goals over 11 years. He first joined from Brighton in January 2014, helping Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League that season. Barnes played a key role in Burnley’s six consecutive top-flight seasons, including scoring in European competition.
Jackson on Barnes: “It’s up to Ash”
Jackson acknowledged Barnes’ contribution but stressed the decision on his future lies with the player and the club. “I think with Barnesy, he's been injured at the moment,” Jackson told the Burnley Express. “He's been incredible for the club though, with the way he's been, so I think with Barnesy, that will be a decision that will be with him and the club.”
Jackson added: “He's at a stage now with him and his career and where he's at in it that it's up to Ash whether he thinks he wants to carry on playing or whether he wants to go into coaching or whether he sees something else. I don't know all that to be honest.”
Barnes is currently undertaking coaching courses, with Jackson confirming: “Barnesy is on his coaching course at this moment in time, so we just have to have a look at the whole squad, what we need for the game, and how we can make sure we get certain players some time as well as being really competitive in the game.”
Burnley veteran’s next steps unclear
Barnes has made just ten appearances this season and has been sidelined with a muscle injury since early April. With Burnley relegated to the Championship, the striker’s future remains in doubt as he approaches his 37th birthday in October.
Jackson refused to rule out retirement, saying: “I can't give you that information. Like I said, he's been doing his coaching badges, so he's just been away this week, continued Jackson. You have to have a set time when you go, and it was good for him to go this week. It was important for him that he does that as well.”
After leaving Norwich in January 2025, Barnes returned to Burnley on a short-term deal before signing a one-year extension following promotion. Whether he will continue playing or move into coaching remains to be seen.