Walsall complete second summer signing from Chester
Walsall have completed the signing of centre-back Harrison Burke from National League North side Chester for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Saddlers, which includes the option of a further year.
Burke, who scored 13 goals for the Blues last term, was named in the National League North team of the season and was also voted Chester's Suppoer Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season.
Walsall fended off competition for the highly-rated defender who has featured 136 times since making his debut for Chester in January 2022.
He becomes the Saddlers' second summer signing after the capture of former Eastbourne Borough wing-back Courtney Clarke on Monday.
His goals helped Chester finish fourth and qualify for the play-offs last season, with Burke netting an extra-time decider in a 2-1 win over Buxton in the quarter-finals.
Chester fell to defeat in the final, losing 1-0 against former Walsall defender Andy Butler's Scunthorpe United side.
The transfer is subject to EFL and FA clearance when the transfer window reopens on June 16.
“Harrison’s had a fantastic season and a fantastic few seasons with Chester,” boss Mat Sadler said.
“He’s a highly sought after young player that we beat off competition from clubs in higher divisions than us.
“That shows the identity of who we are and how we’re viewed as a destination for young players that want to come here above going to other clubs higher up in the pyramid because they see us as a place where they can improve, get better and they’ve seen that with the guys we’ve done that with previously.
“He’s a fantastic defender, he wants to defend first. He’s had some wonderful success in goal scoring but his first port of call is his defensive work and he’ll add to that group of young defenders that we want to work with and get better with more experience. He’s a wonderful person."
Burke added: “It’s more of a dream, it’s surreal coming here,” Burke said.
“As soon as I knew Walsall were interested it was something that I wanted to get done. I’m just happy to get it over the line now and excited to play in front of the fans.
“I have a strong mindset and seeing other people out of Non-League like Jamie Jellis, I played against him when he was at Tamworth, and seeing them thrive in League Two I thought why can’t I do that.
“I spoke to the manager and he seemed eager that this could happen as well. I’m going to have to put in the work but I’m fine with that and excited to start.
“I feel like this is where I want to be for my first step in the EFL.”
