We decided to have some fun and ask ChatGPT to look into the crystal ball to see what the future holds. Here is where the AI thinks our current crop of Clarets will be by the time 2031 rolls around.

The Goalkeepers

Max Weiß

Having signed a long-term deal in 2025, Weiß is projected to be right in his prime by 2031. After years of development, he should have the physical and mental maturity required of a top-tier goalkeeper.

By this stage, AI predicts he will be firmly established as the Burnley Football Club number one. His performances at Turf Moor are expected to have earned him regular recognition on the international stage.

Indeed, the forecast suggests he will be a regular member of the German national team setup. For a player of his potential, becoming a mainstay for both club and country is the ultimate goal.

Martin Dúbravka

Father Time eventually catches up with every professional, and at 42 years old, Dúbravka will have hung up his gloves. His long and successful career will provide a wealth of experience to draw from in his next chapter.

The AI identifies him as a strong candidate for a specialist goalkeeping coach role. Having played at the highest level, his technical insights would be invaluable to the next generation of shot-stoppers.

Václav Hladký

Similar to his veteran teammate, Hladký is expected to have retired from professional play by the turn of the decade. At 40, his focus will have shifted away from the pitch and toward a supporting role in the sport.

He is predicted to transition into a role such as scouting or academy coaching, likely back in the Czech Republic. These positions allow former players to stay connected to the game while utilizing their tactical knowledge.

The Defenders

Maxime Estève

Estève is currently one of the standout talents in the squad, and his trajectory suggests big things are coming. By 2031, he will be 28 and entering what many consider the peak years for a central defender.

If Burnley Football Club remains in the top tier, he may well still be the defensive anchor at Turf Moor. However, the AI suggests that a move to a Champions League-level side is a very realistic possibility.

Should he move on, a £50m-plus transfer to a European giant like Bayer Leverkusen or Inter Milan is projected. His talent is such that he will likely be competing for the game’s biggest trophies.

Quilindschy Hartman

As a high-value modern fullback, Hartman will be at his physical peak in ten years. His combination of speed, delivery, and defensive awareness makes him a coveted asset for any top side.

The AI projects that he will be the starting left-back for the Netherlands national team. Dominating the flank for his country would cement his status as one of the best in his position.

At the club level, he is tipped to be playing for a “Big Six” Premier League club. His attributes are perfectly suited for the high-intensity demands of the world’s most-watched league.

Bashir Humphreys

By 2031, Humphreys will be 27 and a true veteran of the English leagues. Having matured through the ranks and signed permanently from Chelsea in 2025, he will possess the leadership qualities that every successful team requires.

He is considered a likely candidate to remain at Burnley Football Club for the long haul. His presence would provide the homegrown core that the squad needs to maintain its identity.

AI even predicts he could become a club captain figure at Turf Moor. Leading the team from the back, he would be the face of the club’s defensive unit for years to come.

Joe Worrall By the time 2031 arrives, Worrall will be 34 and likely entering the final years of his professional career. However, his experience and leadership will still be highly valued in the dressing room.

He is projected to be serving as a senior leader for a club in the Championship or a newly promoted Premier League club. His “old-school” defensive style and vocal presence are assets that never go out of fashion.

Kyle Walker

Following what can only be described as an illustrious career, Kyle Walker will be enjoying retirement in 2031. Having won almost everything there is to win, his legacy in the game is already secure.

Given his high profile and personality, a career in high-level sports media seems like a perfect fit. He would likely be a regular face on TV, providing expert analysis on the modern game.

There is also the possibility of him taking up a developmental coaching role. Returning to Manchester City or Sheffield United to help shape the next generation would be a fitting way to stay involved.

Connor Roberts For a player as tireless and dedicated as Roberts, a return to familiar ground seems like the most logical conclusion. At 35, he will be looking to wrap up his playing days on a high note.

A move back to Wales, specifically to Swansea City, is predicted by the AI. Finishing his career as a fan favorite back home is a sentimental but realistic projection for the right-back.

The Midfielders

Lesley Ugochukwu

Ugochukwu is widely regarded as having one of the highest ceilings in the current squad. By 2031, he will be 26 and potentially one of the most dominant midfielders in world football.

The AI projects him to be a world-class defensive midfielder playing for a giant like Real Madrid or Arsenal. His physical attributes and technical ability make him the ideal modern “number six”.

A move of this magnitude would undoubtedly involve a massive transfer fee. He is the type of player who can define an era for a top-tier European club.

Hannibal Mejbr

Hannibal’s career is predicted to take him to a league where technical flair and creative style are highly valued. By 2031, he should have refined his game to become a consistent match-winner.

He is likely to be a creative force in either Ligue 1 or La Liga. These leagues often provide the space and tactical environment for creative midfielders to thrive.

Playing for a top European side, Hannibal will be the one tasked with unlocking stubborn defenses. His unique style and vision will make him a key player wherever he ends up.

Josh Cullen

C;ub captain Cullen’s intelligence and leadership have always been his greatest strengths on the pitch. As he reaches 34, these qualities make him a prime candidate for a transition into coaching.

By 2031, he may still be at Turf Moor, perhaps in a reduced playing capacity. His understanding of the Burnley Football Club philosophy would make him a vital asset to any manager.

A player-coach role seems like the most natural path for him. He has the temperament and the tactical mind to eventually manage at the highest level.

James Ward-Prowse

Known globally for his elite set-piece delivery, Ward-Prowse joined Burnley on loan in early 2026 to add experience to the survival battle. This quality doesn’t depend solely on pace, suggesting he could follow the “evergreen” path of legendary midfielders.

The AI sees him potentially ending his playing days in the MLS, where his technique would be a massive draw for fans. Alternatively, a final farewell season at Southampton remains a distinct possibility.

Regardless of where he finishes, his ability to change a game with a single dead-ball delivery will remain. He is a player who will be respected long after he stops playing.

Florentino Luís

The “tackle machine” is expected to maintain his reputation as one of the most reliable defensive midfielders around. By 31, he will have a wealth of experience in the middle of the park.

He is likely to have returned to the top tier of Portuguese football or found a steady role in the Bundesliga. His disciplined approach to the game fits perfectly with the tactical demands of these leagues.

The Forwards

Lyle Foster

By the time 2031 arrives, Foster will be 30 and likely considered the elder statesman of South African football. His journey from Soweto to the Premier League has already made him a national hero.

The AI projects he will have moved to a continental European club, possibly in Italy or France. These leagues would allow him to utilize his physicality and hold-up play in a slightly slower-paced environment.

He will likely still be the talisman for the Bafana Bafana, leading their line in international competitions. His experience at the highest level will be crucial for the next generation of South African talent.

Marcus Edwards

Edwards is predicted to be a “mercurial veteran” by the age of 32. Having returned to England with Burnley in 2025, his flair and dribbling ability remain his trademark.

He could potentially be playing in the Middle East in the Saudi Pro League, where high-profile creative talents are in high demand. Alternatively, he might serve as a creative spark for a London-based Premier League side.

His ability to produce moments of magic from nothing ensures he will always have a place in top-flight football. Whether in England or abroad, fans will still be eager to see what he can do with the ball at his feet.

Armando Broja

At 29, Broja should be in the absolute prime of his career as a striker. After making his move to Burnley permanent from Chelsea in 2025, he is yet to establish himself as a reliable goalscorer in the top flight.

He is projected to be a starting striker for a side competing at the Europa League level. His physical presence and clinical finishing make him a handful for any defense in Europe.

Provided he can maintain his fitness, Broja has the potential to be one of the most feared forwards in the game. His development over the next decade will be fascinating to watch.

Zian Flemming

Flemming is predicted to return to the Eredivisie by 2031, where he would be a key figure for a club like Ajax or PSV. His technical ability and veteran experience would be highly valued in the Dutch top flight.

Ashley Barnes

A true cult hero at Turf Moor, Barnes will be 41 and long retired by 2031. However, his connection to Burnley Football Club is expected to remain as strong as ever.

He is almost certainly destined for a career in football management, where his grit and determination would serve him well. Alternatively, he could be a frequent and popular guest at club hospitality events, sharing stories of his playing days.

With their first three points of the season secured following a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, Burnley turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with Derby County visiting Turf Moor.

Derby are in the Championship for a second season, with both league meetings last season ending in 0-0 draws. Burnley were fortunate to take a point away at Pride Park in April, as the hosts created the better chances.

Stat pack

• This is the first meeting between Burnley and Derby County in a cup competition since 1999.

• The tie is Burnley’s first home Carabao Cup fixture since 2022, when they beat Crawley Town 3-1 in the second round. They have since faced nine consecutive away matches across the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

• This is the first time since 2022 that Burnley have not faced Premier League opposition in round two, having played Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest in the past two seasons.

• Derby have not progressed beyond the third round of the EFL Cup in the past two seasons, going out in the second round to Blackpool and Barrow respectively.

• Derby were one of only three sides Burnley failed to score against last season, the others being Preston and Middlesbrough.

Team news

Burnley
Maxime Estève and Lesley Ugochukwu both limped off during the 2-0 victory over Sunderland, but head coach Scott Parker confirmed the pair were suffering from cramp.

Armando Broja may feature, with the Albanian forward working on fitness after his move from Chelsea.

Fringe players such as Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall may be handed their first starts of the season, with Parker confirming he plans to rotate his squad.

Derby County
Derby have had a busy summer. New boss John Eustace has made 10 signings, four of whom previously played under him at Blackburn Rovers.

Striker Patrick Agyemang, a summer signing from Charlotte FC, will miss the game as he continues his recovery from a hernia injury.

Lars-Jørgen Salvesen, Kane Wilson, Curtis Nelson and Corey Blackett-Taylor are also sidelined with long-term injuries.

Memorable meeting – Burnley 4-1 Derby County, January 2016

Burnley dismantled Derby 4-1 at Turf Moor to move up to third in the Championship table.

Sean Dyche’s side had come into the game after a 3-1 win over Brentford and a 5-0 thrashing of MK Dons, and three goals in 12 second-half minutes sealed another emphatic victory.

A Richard Keogh own goal opened the scoring before Andre Gray, Sam Vokes (penalty) and Scott Arfield all found the net to give Burnley their third four-goal home win in four matches.

Burnley went on to secure promotion after a 23-game unbeaten run, a record only beaten twice: by Reading in 2005 and Parker’s 2024/25 Burnley side, who went 32 matches undefeated.

Played for both – Jason Shackell

Jason Shackell signed for Burnley from Derby County in July 2012, penning a four-year deal and taking over the captain’s armband from Chris McCann later that summer.

He made 128 appearances across three seasons for Burnley, securing promotion in his second campaign and leading the club into the Premier League.

Following relegation, Shackell rejoined Derby in a £3m deal. He spent two-and-a-half years back at Pride Park before joining Millwall on loan and being released at the end of the 2017/18 season.

He later signed for Lincoln City, winning the League Two title and earning a place in the Team of the Year, before retiring at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

It is unusual to describe a match as a six-pointer so early in the season, but Scott Parker’s men must take full advantage of a home game against a side they finished 24 points ahead of last season.

Despite the Clarets playing well for large parts of the game, Spurs’ quality was just too much as the Clarets fell to a 3-0 defeat in North London.

Ricahrldson gave a stark reminder of the gulf in quality with his impressive second goal of the afternoon; his brace was accompanied by a impressive solo effort from Brennan Johnson.

Regis Le Bris’ side arrive at Turf Moor second in the table after beating West Ham United 3-0 on the opening day. Goals from Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor gave Sunderland a dream return to the Premier League.

Sunderland have spent the most of the promoted sides, bringing in 12 new players for a combined £143m – the most notable being former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Stat pack

• Josh Cullen created the most chances last weekend against Spurs with five – he was tied with Bruno Fernandes and Mohammed Kudus.

• Burnley have not lost at home to Sunderland in the league since 2004.

• In their 139 total meetings, Burnley have won 39, drawn 34 and lost 48.

• The Clarets have not won a top flight home game in August since 2019, when they beat Southampton 3-0.

• Sunderland have spent £143m on new talent upon their return to the top flight, the most any newly promoted side has invested in Premier League history.

• Granit Xhaka has been sent off twice against Burnley – in 2017 for stamping on Steven Defour and in 2020 for grabbing James Tarkowski by the throat.

Team news –

Burnley

After the defeat at Spurs, Parker has some good news on the injury front.

Bashir Humphreys and Axel Tuanzebe are both back in training, with the former recovering from a serious groin injury.

Connor Roberts is likely to return after the international break; however, the Welshman is progressing well with his recovery from a muscular injury.

The Clarets haven’t made any additions to the squad since the game against Spurs, however, they have started slimming down their 37-man squad - Luca Koleosho has returned to Espanyol on loan.

Manuel Benson played 75 minutes for the under-21s in their defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Jordan Beyer and Zeki Amdouni remain absent with long-term knee injuries.

Sunderland

Sunderland have significantly strengthened across the window, handing 13 Premier League debuts during their opening-day 3-0 win against West Ham.

The Black Cats have combined experience – Xhaka and Simon Adingra – with exciting young talent such as midfielder Habib Diarra and Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu.

Centre-back Nordi Mukiele has also joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a £12.5m deal and could debut at Turf Moor.

Memorable meeting – Burnley 4-0 Sunderland, December 26, 2016

In their second Premier League campaign under Sean Dyche, Burnley put a struggling Sunderland to the sword on Boxing Day.

The result ended 4-0, Burnley’s second-largest Premier League win – the result was also the biggest home win during Dyche's Premier League era.

Andre Gray scored the Clarets’ first Premier League hat-trick – which was their first in the top flight since 1975, with Ashley Barnes adding a penalty.

Played for both – Phil Bardsley

The right-back made more than 175 appearances in a four-year stint at Sunderland, enjoying his most productive spell under Gus Poyet. He helped the club escape relegation and reach the 2014 League Cup final.

Bardsley later joined Stoke City before moving to Burnley in 2017. He played 57 times in five years at Turf Moor but never cemented a regular starting place.

After leaving Burnley, he joined Stockport County, where injuries restricted him to just two appearances before retiring in 2023.

Luca Koleosho has returned to Espanyol on loan, linking up with the club where he made his professional debut before his move to Burnley.

The winger has struggled to adapt to Scott Parker’s playing style and has often found it difficult to break into the starting XI.

The American-born Italian Under-21 international had been a bright spark in the 2023/24 campaign but suffered a serious injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 20-year-old, who is eligible to represent the United States, Canada, Nigeria and Italy, has won 16 caps for Italy Under-21s, notably lifting the 2023 Under-19 Euros title.

Burnley already have Jaidon Anthony, Hannibal Mejbri and Mike Trésor, along with new signings Jacob Bruun Larsen and Lamine Tchaouna, who can all play on the left wing. As a result, Koleosho would have struggled to secure regular game time.

Burnley boss Scott Parker acknowledged the situation ahead of the fixture against Sunderland.

He said: “It probably comes down to game time and this being something Luca wanted.

“We still think extremely highly of Luca, so he heads out to go and get some football and go and get some minutes. That’s what he has done and we wish him all the best.

“He wanted guaranteed game time and I cannot guarantee him that, so it was probably best for all parties – for Luca’s development, and for us as a football club as well.”

Burnley arguably have the toughest start of the promoted three, facing UEFA Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur.
The Clarets endured a sluggish pre-season — losing to Stoke City and Lazio, drawing against Shrewsbury Town, but beating Huddersfield Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers in Portugal.

Thomas Frank will take charge of his first competitive game as Spurs boss. Meanwhile, Scott Parker returns to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Frank’s side head into the match off the back of a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, having led 2-0 at half-time. The Lilywhites conceded twice in the final 6 minutes before losing on spot-kicks.

The clarets head into the game ahead of a monumental season, Boss Scott Parker has significantly strengethend with the signings of Kyle Walker, Martin Dubravka and

Stat pack

• Tottenham have won eight of their nine Premier League home games against Burnley, with the Clarets’ only victory coming in 2017. Chris Wood scored on his debut in injury time to secure a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium.

• This is Burnley’s fifth opening-day fixture against a “big six” side, having faced Manchester City (2023/24), Manchester United (2020/21) and Chelsea (2014/15, 2016/17) previously.

• The Clarets begin a Premier League season in the capital for only the second time. The other occasion was their 3-2 win at Chelsea in August 2017, when goals from Steven Ward, Steven Defour and Sam Vokes put them 3-0 up at half-time.

• That win at Stamford Bridge was the last time Burnley won their opening game away from home.

• Burnley have lost their last three Premier League opening-day fixtures. Their most recent win was a 3-0 victory over Southampton in 2019.

• Wilson Odobert is Burnley’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer - he was 18 years and 313 days old when he scored the opener in the eventual 4-1 loss to Chelsea in 2023.

Team news

Burnley
Parker confirmed he has almost a full squad available for the trip to north London.

Zian Flemming and Connor Roberts have both recovered from knocks picked up in pre-season. Neither featured in public friendlies but both played in behind-closed-doors matches.

Jordan Beyer has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and is expected to be sidelined for a few more weeks.

Martin Dubravka, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu are all available following moves from Newcastle United and Chelsea respectively.

Kyle Walker and Marcus Edwards could start against their former clubs, with both in line for their Premier League debuts for Burnley.

Tottenham Hotspur
Frank has no fresh injury concerns. Destiny Udogie remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

England international James Maddison has been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.

Former Burnley winger Wilson Odobert has impressed in pre-season and may feature against his old club.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma is available after missing the PSG match due to an internal disciplinary matter.

Memorable meeting – Tottenham 1-1 Burnley, August 2017

The Clarets visited Spurs’ temporary home of Wembley Stadium in their second away match of the 2017/18 Europa League qualification season.

Chris Wood, then Burnley’s record signing following his move from Leeds United, scored in stoppage time to earn a point on his full league debut.

The Kiwi denied Spurs their first win at the national stadium - many had written Burnley off prior to the match, especially with their form away from Turf Moor.

Former Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier started for Spurs in what was the Clarets’ second straight win at the new Wembley Stadium.

Burnley open their Premier League campaign away at Tottenham Hotspur, and manager Scott Parker is full of confidence ahead of the Clarets’ return to the top flight.

The Clarets returned to the top flight at the first time of asking, amassing 100 points and conceding only 16 goals all campaign.

Parker is heading into his second campaign as Burnley boss, and his third season as a top-flight manager.

Speaking on last season, Parker said: “We worked really hard last year for one goal — to play in the best league in the world — and now we’re here.

“We’re excited about the challenge and ready to express ourselves.”

The campaign ahead

The Premier League is very tough; in the last two campaigns, all three relegated teams have gone straight back down.

Parker, who himself tasted relegation with Fulham in 2021, is fully aware of the challenges in the top flight.

“The Premier League is a ruthless, clinical league with the very best talent, and we know exactly what we’re walking into,” he said.

“You need quality, cohesion, commitment and resilience. Everyone here takes responsibility and works tirelessly to improve.”

Summer additions

Burnley have strengthened during the window, notably signing England international right-back Kyle Walker from Manchester City.

The window began with the Clarets signing Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming, Jaidon Anthony and Bashir Humphries on permanent deals, with the quartet all enjoying successful loan spells last season.

The Clarets have also brought in more experience, such as Ashley Barnes and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, while also recruiting young talent including Loum Tchaouna, Lesley Ugochukwu and Quichnsily Hartman.

Walker has had an impressive career, making more than 200 appearances for Manchester City, winning six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and one Champions League during his time in Manchester.

Speaking on his new right-back, Parker said: “Kyle brings leadership, experience and a level-headed presence. With a young squad, his influence will be vital both on and off the pitch.

“Kyle’s career speaks for itself — you don’t have his success without real quality and professionalism.”

Martin Dubravka, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugowochu have all agreed deals to join Burnley ahead of the Premier League season.

All players come into positions where the Clarets have lacked coverage following the departures of James Trafford and Josh Brownhill.

Ugowohcu and Broja are both rumored to be arriving for over £20m (Fabrizo Romano), and are set to become Burnley’s most expensive signings to date.

Martin Dubravka

Martin Dubravka is set to join Scott Parker’s side from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, where the 36-year-old has been for seven years.
The Slovakia international has made over 270 appearances for the Toon and has been instrumental in seeing the Magpies rise from relegation to the Champions League.
Dubravka has risen to fame with his shot-stopping ability, with the Slovak excelling in quick reaction saves and denials of close-range efforts.
Dubravka becomes the second goalkeeping addition in the summer, following Max Wiess’ arrival from German second-tier side Karlsruher SC.

Armando Broja

The first of two Chelsea arrivals is Armando Broja, who signs from the Blues for a club record fee of £20 million.
The Albania striker has enjoyed loan spells with the likes of Everton and Fulham; however, his most prolific spell came at Southampton, where he scored nine goals in 38 appearances.

The striker is no stranger to the physio room, having suffered two major injuries – keeping him out the majority of his breakout 2022–23 season at Chelsea, and limiting him to only ten appearances last campaign with Everton.

Broja brings experience of playing 76 times in the Premier League, and could be a key addition to Scott Parker’s side.

Lesley Ugowochu

The third addition is midfielder Lesley Ugowochu, who joins from Chelsea for another club record fee.
The midfielder spent time on loan last campaign with Southampton, and made 26 appearances across the season.
Ugowochu also made 12 appearances in the top flight for Chelsea, alongside 47 appearances in the French top flight for Rennes.
Thirty-eight appearances for the French midfielder is enough to provide more Premier League appearances than the current trio of newly appointed club captain Josh Cullen, Hannibal (8) and Josh Laurent (0) combined.
A natural defensive midfielder, Ugowochu will look to fill the void left by the departure of club captain Josh Brownhill.