“It’s where I aspired to be after the summer I’ve had.”
It was an agonising summer for Jeff Hendrick but he tried to keep the head down; tried to give his best to Derby before his move away could finally be confirmed.
Hendrick was in demand after Euro 2016 and his hugely positive displays for Ireland.
Burnley were the first to show their hand but Derby knew they would get more than £3m. Way more. Championship sides got in touch but Hendrick had his sights set on the Premier League.
In the end, despite reported interest from Sunderland, Middlesbrough and even Galatasaray, there were two sides left in it – Hull City and Burnley. The Tigers’ decent start to their latest Premier League stint looked to have swayed it but Burnley finally got their deal over the line with a third bid.
Ultimately, if Hendrick reaches certain milestones and Burnley exceed expectations, Derby should get £10.5m from the transaction – £6m up front and three further installments of £1.5m.
In his first interview since joining the Clarets, Hendrick was pragmatic about becoming the club’s record signing. He said:
“[The price] doesn’t carry any added weight for me.
“Obviously I am going to be told it’s a record fee but for me it’s all about training hard and getting ready for the games and not dwelling on the fee too much. I just have to focus on performing.”
Hendrick sought advice on the club from Irish teammate Stephen Ward, as well as Burnley’s Chris Baird and Jason Shackell. ‘Work hard and you’ll do fine’ has been the general response and Hendrick is happy to do just that.
Watch @JeffHendrick92‘s first interview as a Claret on Player HD now: https://t.co/90wqIzvr7r#WelcomeJeffpic.twitter.com/s3sT11nxN7
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 31, 2016
Signing for a club during the international break, admitted Hendrick, so he is looking forward to catching up with most of his new teammates at next Wednesday’s full training get-together. The Dubliner, who will wear 13 for Burnley, said:
“I know there have been a number of bids and I was sitting there waiting for one to be accepted and get the deal done.
“I would have preferred it to happen earlier to and get to know your team mates and coaching staff a bit more, but I am just thankful it’s done now and I can go away with Ireland knowing my future is settled.”
All he has to do now is concentrate on helping his country beat Serbia and get off to a perfect World Cup Qualifier start.
The new GAA Hour football podcast is here. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Senan Connell, and Barry Cahill dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.
