Northern Ireland's first-choice goalkeeper Jackie Burns has completed a move to newly promoted Women's Super League 2 side Burnley, with the club confirming the transfer on 20 July 2026 according to Burnley's official announcement. The 29-year-old, who has 64 caps for her country, says she is already preparing for life after playing even as she settles into her new club.
Burns joins Burnley on a two-year contract with the option of a third season, having left Bristol City as a free agent, according to the same club statement. A separate report confirmed the deal was completed without a transfer fee.
What does Burns want to do after she stops playing?
Burns says she intends to stay involved in the sport once her playing career ends, most likely in a role focused on supporting players rather than coaching or performance.
I have definitely thought about it. I still want to be a part of football in whatever aspect that may be.
It will probably be in more of a player-care role, just helping players as they progress through a team, and not so much on the football aspect.
It's just making sure they are comfortable so it's not a challenge for them coming in. They are a player in a team - but a person too.
Why did she choose Burnley?
Burns says the club's willingness to support her ambitions beyond playing was a significant factor in her decision to sign, alongside the opportunity to help newer players settle in.
[I want to] feel heard as a person and they really inspire me in that aspect.
She adds that the practical difficulties of relocating for football, such as arranging housing or transport in an unfamiliar country, can be eased considerably when a club provides dedicated support.
I've been to a few places and while you're always excited to go, sometimes it can be a challenge. You don't know what way things work.
It's basic stuff like getting a house or a car which can be quite complicated if you're not from that country.
If you have someone in a club who can help take that stress off you, it just makes the experience a lot easier.
It can go unseen sometimes. For a lot of players, as soon as they feel valued, it just turns into an easier experience.
What has Burns' career looked like so far?
Over roughly 15 years in the game, Burns has played in leagues across Iceland, Canada and Sweden, gaining wide experience of different footballing environments. According to a Northern Super League player profile, she signed for Calgary Wild on 14 June 2026 before her Burnley move, and had earned more than 50 caps for Northern Ireland by mid-2026, having also featured at UEFA Women's Euro 2022. Separately, a club history page on Wikipedia notes she had returned to Bristol City on 4 February 2026 after her spell in Canada, before departing again for Burnley later in the summer.
Her move comes to a Burnley side that has just won promotion to the second tier of English women's football for the first time in the club's history, having finished top of their division in the 2025-26 season, according to a club history page. At Burnley, Burns has been listed wearing squad number 25, per the club's player profile.
Burns' focus on supporting teammates through change echoes wider optimism within the Northern Ireland set-up, where captain Rebecca McKenna has spoken positively about the impact of new manager Michael McArdle as the team looks toward a World Cup play-off spot, as covered in our earlier report on Northern Ireland's captain praising the new manager.
What happens next for Burns and Burnley?
Burnley have appointed Jackie Bachteler as their women's manager, confirmed on 24 July 2026, as the club prepares for its first-ever campaign in Women's Super League 2, according to a report from a national broadcaster. A specific fixture date for the start of that campaign has not yet been confirmed in available reporting. Burns' future at the club will run alongside her two-year deal, with the option of an additional season depending on how the arrangement progresses.
Key Facts
- Jackie Burns has 64 caps for Northern Ireland and has featured at UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
- She joined Burnley on 20 July 2026 on a two-year deal with an option for a third year, arriving as a free agent from Bristol City.
- Burnley secured promotion to Women's Super League 2 for the first time after finishing first in the 2025-26 season.
- Burnley appointed Jackie Bachteler as women's manager on 24 July 2026 ahead of the club's debut WSL2 campaign.
- Burns previously played in Iceland, Canada and Sweden, including a spell with Calgary Wild signed on 14 June 2026.
