Championship outfit Burnley have confirmed the capture of ex-Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton on a free transfer.
A statement on the Clarets official website read: “Burnley Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of free agent Joey Barton, subject to paperwork.”
The former Manchester City and Newcastle United man has signed a one-year deal with his new club, which ended the summer-long uncertainty over his future.
Barton, who was released by QPR at the end of the 2014/15 season, was linked with Premier League club West Ham United earlier in the summer but the deal fell through, with Hammers owner David Gold himself ruling out a move earlier this month.
The 32-year-old made 28 appearances for QPR last season in the Premier League. His vast experience of top level football will help Burnley bounce back into the Premier League at the first time of asking after being relegated last season.
Barton’s experience of Championship football will stand Burnley in good stead over the course of the 2015/16 season. He played in the second tier with both Newcastle and QPR and guided them to the Premier League at their first attempts after relegation.
He becomes the Clarets’ sixth signing of the summer and joins Matthew Lowton, who arrived at the club from Aston Villa, to take the step down from a Premier League club to join Burnley in the Championship this summer.
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