“Undisclosed fee” – Port Vale youngster joins Premier League side

Port Vale have announced that young midfielder Tommy McDermott has joined Premier League side Burnley for an undisclosed fee.

A club statement said: “Port Vale FC can confirm that Tommy McDermott has joined Premier League side, Burnley, for an undisclosed fee.”

McDermott was the first of the current batch of youth team graduates to be given a professional contract, breaking through to the first-team in 2022.

However, he has largely been out of the first-team squad in recent months which makes this signing somewhat of a surprise. Nevertheless, it doubtless gives the youngster a great opportunity to progress and provides Vale with yet more funds courtesy of their revamped youth system.

Port Vale FC’s Director of Football Dave Flitcroft told the official website:  “At the start of last season, Tommy was the first professional contract that we gave to a player out of our academy since I arrived at the club.

“Due to not having an U21s group, in order for Tommy to get playing minutes, we loaned him out. The loan vehicle was excellent for James Plant, but it hasn’t been as successful for Tommy. The deal gives Tommy the opportunity to now continue his development in the U21s system at Burnley. We feel this is the right deal for him and for the club.

“We wish Tommy all the best with his future and will be monitoring the success of this deal.”