Eddie Howe has once again stressed that Newcastle United struck transfer gold by signing Dan Burn. 

Newcastle United paid £13million to sign Burn from Brighton in January 2022 and to say he’s repaid that fee would be an understatement.

Burn is a Newcastle United legend. The 33-year-old has made 158 appearances for his boyhood club, scored in the Carabao Cup final and established himself as an England international since joining the Magpies.

Speaking ahead of Brighton vs Newcastle United on Saturday, Howe was asked about just how important an addition Burn has been to the ranks.

• READ MORE: Dan Burn gives honest view on Thomas Tuchel‘s controversial England fans comments

Eddie Howe hails Dan Burn ahead of Brighton vs Newcastle United

The defender was on the agenda ahead of the game because he used to play for Brighton.

Burn joined the Seagulls from Wigan in 2018 and established himself in the Premier League before getting his dream move to the team he supported as a boy.

Asked about his price tag, Howe initially thought the reporter said “£30m”. The Newcastle United manager laughed at that, joking it was a “lumpy” fee for Burn before giving the defender his flowers.

“We were in a relegation battle, we needed players who wanted to come,” he said.

“Of course, Dan had links to the area and links to the club and wanted to come. So, it turned out to be an amazing transfer and, as you say, he’s been worth every penny and some more for what he’s given and what he continues to give.”

Dan Burn’s fairytale is about to get even better

Shortly after winning the Carabao Cup, Burn made his England debut against Albania in March 2025.

He’s since been called up at every opportunity by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel. While he doesn’t always play, Burn is now a fixture in the England squad.

Such is the quality of the player, the Newcastle star isn’t simply there to make up the numbers.

Burn is reportedly set to be named in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, which takes place next summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It’s hard to imagine Newcastle ever spending a better £13million no matter what success is to come down the line in the PIF era.