TEENAGE striker Oliver McBurnie has this afternoon left City to join Swansea.
The Premier League club have snapped up the 19-year-old for an undisclosed fee. It is also understood that the Bantams have a sell-on clause in the deal.
It is a sensational move for the youngster, who caught Swansea’s eye with his performances for Scotland under-19s. McBurnie, who has signed a three-year deal, will go into their development squad.
Phil Parkinson said: “We received an offer from Swansea which we decided to accept. Olly is a player with great potential and this is a great opportunity.
“It’s very difficult to stand in a young lad’s way when a Premier League club comes calling.
“They are looking to get some good, young British players and when you look at what Olly has to offer, you can see his potential.”
McBurnie made his debut against Rotherham in an FA Cup tie in November 2013 and was pressed into his first start against the same opponents a month later because of injuries.
He made 20 City appearances, 16 from the bench, but never scored a goal. McBurnie spent two loan spells at Chester last season where he was revelation, scoring five times in 14 games.
Parkinson added: “He got progressed into our first team too soon when physically he wasn’t ready. Because of injuries, we put him in there and it set him back a little bit.
“He really needed a year of training with the first team and strength and conditioning work.
“He virtually went from Saturday morning youth football straight into the first team at a time when his body was still developing physically.
“But last season he did really well at Chester. For an 18-year-old to go into that division and handle it and score goals like he did was very impressive.
“He also went away with Scotland under-19s and did well in the company of players who’ve been at Championship and Premier League level. That really alerted Swansea to his potential.”
McBurnie follows in the footsteps of the likes of Fabian Delph, Tom Cleverley and George Green in moving on to Premier League clubs from Valley Parade.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel