Finley Jack Burns is a rising English professional footballer who has steadily carved out a reputation as a commanding centre-back within England’s competitive football pyramid. Born in Southwark, London, and developed through elite academies, Burns stands out for his imposing 1.96-meter height, defensive discipline, and calm presence at the back—qualities that make him a modern, reliable defender to watch.
Currently playing on loan at Reading FC in EFL League One from Manchester City, Burns represents the new generation of academy-bred talent gaining experience through strategic loan moves. With youth international experience for England and a growing list of senior appearances, Finley Burns’ football journey reflects both patience and promise as he pushes toward long-term success at the highest levels of English football.
Who is Finley Burns?
Finley Burns is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back. He is currently on loan at Reading FC in EFL League One from Manchester City, one of England’s top Premier League clubs. Known for his large frame (around 1.96 m tall) and strong defensive abilities, Burns has come through Manchester City’s youth academy and gained first-team experience through a series of loan spells. He has also represented England at youth international levels, including the U20 team.
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Quick Info:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full/Real Name | Finley Jack Burns |
| Birth Date/Place | June 17, 2003, Southwark, London, England |
| Age | 22 (as of January 2026) |
| Height | 1.96 m (6’5″) |
| Weight | 87 kg |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | British/White (inferred) |
| Body Measurements | Athletic build: 1.96m height, 87kg weight |
| Net Worth | Market value ~€850k |
Early Life of Finley Burns:
Finley Jack Burns was born on June 17, 2003, in Southwark, London, England, where his passion for football began at an early age. Growing up in a competitive football environment, Burns quickly showed natural defensive instincts, physical dominance, and composure beyond his years—traits that would later define his rise as a professional centre-back.
His football journey started when he joined Southend United’s youth academy at just 9 years old, spending five crucial developmental years there from 2012 to 2017. His rapid progress and standout performances earned him a move to Manchester City’s elite academy in January 2017, a transfer reportedly worth £175,000, marking a major turning point in Finley Burns’ early football career and future potential.
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Full name/Real name:
Finley Jack Burns
Birth date/Birth place:
June 17, 2003, Southwark, London, England
Career Journey of Finley Burns:
Breakthrough at Manchester City
Finley Jack Burns’ professional breakthrough came after years of disciplined development within Manchester City’s elite academy system. After signing his first professional contract in 2020, Burns made his senior debut in September 2021 during the EFL Cup clash against Wycombe Wanderers, a match City won 6–1. While first-team opportunities at a Premier League giant were limited, this appearance marked Burns’ official arrival into senior football and validated his progress as a high-potential English centre-back.
Peak Development Through Loan Spells
Rather than rushing his growth, Burns’ career entered its peak developmental phase through strategic loan moves. His most influential season came with Stevenage FC during the 2023–24 League One campaign, where he made 43 appearances and became a cornerstone of one of the league’s strongest defensive units. His performances showcased aerial dominance, tactical awareness, and leadership, positioning him as a dependable defender capable of handling physical and high-pressure matches.
Notable Work & Continued Growth
Burns continued building momentum with further loans at Hull City (Championship) and Reading FC (League One), gaining experience across different tactical systems. His time at Reading, beginning in the 2025–26 season, has reinforced his reputation for defensive consistency and maturity. Alongside club football, his selection for England’s U18 and U20 national teams, including a U20 debut victory over Chile, highlights his growing recognition at the national level and underlines Finley Burns’ steady rise in English football.
Fame Reason and Future Plans of Finley Burns:
Finley Jack Burns gained recognition in English football due to his development at Manchester City, one of the world’s most respected football academies. His rise through the youth ranks, combined with early exposure in the EFL Cup, positioned him as a defender with elite-level potential. However, it was his consistent performances during loan spells—especially with Stevenage FC in League One, where he played a key role in one of the division’s most organized defenses—that truly elevated his profile. His imposing height, aerial strength, and positional discipline have made him a standout centre-back at EFL level.
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As Burns’ reputation grew, so did expectations for his long-term future. His ability to adapt across Championship and League One clubs, including Hull City and Reading FC, has highlighted his tactical maturity and readiness for higher competition. Regular youth international appearances for England, including a strong U20 debut, have further reinforced his standing as a dependable defensive prospect with national-level recognition.
Looking ahead, Finley Burns’ future plans center on securing consistent first-team football, with the immediate goal of helping Reading FC push for promotion. With a contract at Manchester City running until 2027, Burns remains focused on refining his defensive game, improving ball progression, and positioning himself for either a Premier League breakthrough or a long-term role at a high-level Championship club. His steady, disciplined career path suggests a defender building for longevity rather than short-term spotlight.
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Physical Appearance of Finley Burns:
Age:
22 (as of January 2026)
Height:
1.96 m (6’5″)
Weight:
87 kg
Major Achievements of Finley Burns:
Despite his young age, Finley Jack Burns has already built a solid foundation of achievements that reflect his steady rise in English professional football. One of his earliest milestones came with Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, where he played a key role in winning the Premier League 2 title during the 2020–21 season, proving his ability to perform within an elite academy environment.
Another major achievement in Burns’ career was his standout 2023–24 League One season with Stevenage FC, where he made 43 senior appearances and helped establish one of the top defensive records in the league. Alongside his club success, earning selection for England’s U18 and U20 national teams, including a U20 debut victory over Chile, further cemented his reputation as a reliable, high-potential centre-back on the national stage.
Personal Life of Finley Burns:
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
White
Net Worth:
Market value ~€850k
Social Media Presence:
| Platform | Handle/URL | Followers | Posts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @finjburns | 101K | 30 | Official; posts about training (e.g., Man City Academy), tagged @mancity; low posting frequency. | |
| Fan pages (e.g., @finleyburns.fanpag | <300 | Few | Unofficial; low engagement, not player-run. |
Interesting Facts about Finley Burns:
Finley Burns stands at 1.96 meters (6’5″), making him one of the tallest centre-backs among his age group in English football.
He joined Manchester City’s academy at just 13 years old after a reported £175,000 transfer from Southend United.
Burns made his senior debut in a 6–1 EFL Cup win against Wycombe Wanderers in 2021.
His most productive season came at Stevenage FC (2023–24), where he played 43 matches in League One.
Burns has represented England at youth international level, including a U20 debut win over Chile.
Conclusion
Finley Jack Burns’ football journey reflects the modern pathway of elite English defenders—built on patience, development, and consistent performance rather than instant stardom. From his early days at Southend United’s academy to progressing through Manchester City’s elite system, Burns has shown the value of structured growth, gaining vital experience across League One and the Championship while refining his defensive craft.
As he continues his loan spell at Reading FC, the future remains promising for this 1.96-meter-tall centre-back with youth international experience for England. With a strong physical profile, tactical maturity, and a long-term contract at Manchester City until 2027, Finley Burns stands poised to take the next step in his career—whether that leads to a Premier League breakthrough or a permanent role as a dependable leader in English football’s upper tiers.
FAQs about Finley Burns:
1. Who is Finley Burns?
Finley Burns is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back.
He is currently on loan at Reading FC from Manchester City.
2. How old is Finley Burns?
He was born on June 17, 2003.
He is 22 years old as of 2026.
3. Which clubs has Finley Burns played for?
He has played for Manchester City, Swansea City, Stevenage FC, Hull City, and Reading FC.
Most appearances came during loan spells in the EFL.
4. Has Finley Burns played for England?
Yes, he has represented England at youth levels.
He made his England U20 debut in 2022 against Chile.
5. What is Finley Burns known for on the pitch?
He is known for his height, aerial dominance, and defensive discipline.
His style suits the role of a modern central defender.
