Oli McBurnie

McBurnie was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire.[7] McBurnie started at Leeds United's academy from a young age, playing with the likes of Lewie Coyle and Tyler Denton in the youth setup, before he was released at Under 14s level.[8] He joined Bradford City's academy, but played for Manchester United in the 2013 Milk Cup.[9]

McBurnie was given a three-year professional contract by Bradford on 23 August 2013.[10][11] In November 2013, Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson stated that he was considering involving McBurnie with the club's first team squad.[12] He made his professional debut on 9 November 2013, in the FA Cup, appearing as a substitute.[13] He later spoke about his desire for further first-team action,[14] and made his first senior start on 26 December 2013, at the age of 17.[15][16]

He was offered a new contract by the club at the end of the 2013–14 season.[17][18][19] McBurnie later spoke about his first season as a professional, describing it as "ridiculous."[20] He also spoke about his excitement ahead of the 2014–15 season.[21] In September 2014 manager Phil Parkinson told McBurnie to "step up to the plate" and make the most of the first-team appearances he was making following an injury to regular started James Hanson.[22] In October 2014 Parkinson hinted that McBurnie would be sent out on loan.[23]

McBurnie joined Chester on a one-month loan deal on 22 January 2015.[24] He was recalled early, returning to Bradford on 20 February following injuries to first-team players.[25] Manager Phil Parkinson thought the loan spell had been beneficial to McBurnie's development.[26] He re-joined Chester on loan on 6 March.[27]

On 13 July 2015, McBurnie joined Swansea City on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee,[28][29] later revealed to be £250,000.[15] Later that month he made his first appearances for Swansea in under-21 matches in Holland.[30]

McBurnie celebrating with Bristol Rovers fans following the club's promotion from League Two

In November 2015 he joined League Two club Newport County on an initial one-month loan.[31][32] McBurnie made his debut for Newport on 28 November in a league game against Luton Town, scoring a hat-trick after coming on as a 58th-minute substitute.[33][34] While the loan had been earlier extended until January 2016, he was recalled by Swansea on 24 December 2015.[35] On 7 March 2016, he joined Bristol Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2015–16 season.[36]

On 23 August 2016, McBurnie scored twice on his debut for Swansea's first team in the second-round 2016–17 EFL Cup tie against Peterborough United. The match finished 1–3 in Swansea's favour.[37] His performance was praised by ex-Swansea player Warren Feeney.[38] McBurnie won the Premier League 2 'Player of the Month' award for January 2017.[39] In November 2016, McBurnie signed a one-year contract extension at the Liberty Stadium until June 2019.[40]

McBurnie appeared as a substitute in Swansea's first three matches of the 2017–18 Premier League. On 31 August 2017, the last day of the English summer transfer window, a loan to Championship club Barnsley for the rest of the season was agreed.[41] However, despite training with Barnsley the transfer was not completed, due to an issue with the paperwork and he returned to Swansea.[42] Upon returning to Swansea under Paul Clement he played for Swansea's Under 23's scoring 10 goals in 7 games, before earning a recall to the first team under new manager Carlos Carvalhal, where he made 12 appearances including starting against Liverpool and Newcastle.[43]

On 31 January 2018 he moved on loan to Barnsley, then managed by Paul Heckingbottom.[44] He scored his first goal for Barnsley in a 1–1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on 10 February 2018.[45] After scoring six goals in his first eight games at Barnsley, McBurnie was named the Championship Player of the Month for February and also received a call up to the Scotland squad for his form.[43] On 28 April 2018, McBurnie won Barnsley's Player Of The Year award.[46]

McBurnie returned to Swansea at the end of the season, and stated that he would use his Championship experience to help fire them to promotion.[47] After speculation strongly linking him with moves to either Leeds United or Rangers,[48] on 12 July 2018 he signed a new three-year contract extension at Swansea City with the option of a fourth year.[49][50] McBurnie scored his first league goal for Swansea in their first match of the 2018–19 season a 2–1 victory against Sheffield United.[51]

In July 2019, McBurnie was the subject of a transfer bid from Sheffield United, which was rejected by Swansea.[52] Later that month Sheffield United increased their bid,[53][54] which Swansea accepted.[55]

On 2 August 2019 McBurnie signed for Sheffield United on a four-year deal for a fee of £17.5 million, potentially rising to £20 million.[56] The fee set a new club record for Sheffield United and a new record for a transfer involving a Scottish player,[57] until it was beaten a few days later by Kieran Tierney's £25 million move from Celtic to Arsenal.[58] McBurnie's former club Bradford City were set to receive a windfall from his sale.[59]

On 24 November 2019 he scored the equaliser as Sheffield United drew Manchester United 3–3 at Bramall Lane. The goal was challenged by VAR but upheld.[60]