Josh Brownhill, previously Burnley’s captain, has opted to join Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, despite interest from Premier League teams. He aims to score goals and win trophies. Brownhill had 211 appearances and scored 32 goals for Burnley. He will join Yannick Carrasco and Wesley Hoedt.
Josh Brownhill, the former captain of Burnley, has made a surprising move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab, despite significant interest from several Premier League teams. The 29-year-old midfielder's decision to head to the Middle East comes as a shock to many, considering the strong pull of English football and the opportunities that awaited him in the top flight.
Premier League clubs Brentford, Wolves, and West Ham had all expressed a keen interest in securing Brownhill's services. Additionally, Championship side Leicester City were also in the running, hoping to add his experience and talent to their squad. Brownhill's impressive performance last season, where he scored 18 goals and played a pivotal role in Burnley's promotion back to the Premier League, had made him a sought-after player.
Brownhill's departure from Turf Moor marked the end of a successful five-year stint with Burnley. During his time with the Clarets, he made 211 appearances and scored 32 goals, becoming a key figure in the team's midfield. His leadership qualities and consistent performances earned him the captain's armband, further solidifying his importance to the club. Brownhill was Burnley's top scorer last season as they won promotion back to the Premier League, showing how valuable of a player he was during the campaign. He left at the end of the campaign after five years at Turf Moor, making 211 appearances in total and scoring 32 goals overall.
Al-Shabab, however, presented Brownhill with an offer he couldn't refuse. The Saudi Pro League has been attracting top talent from around the world, with lucrative contracts and ambitious projects luring players to the Middle East. Brownhill joins a growing list of established names who have made the switch, adding further credibility and excitement to the league.
At Al-Shabab, Brownhill will team up with Belgium international Yannick Carrasco and former Southampton and Watford defender Wesley Hoedt. This infusion of international talent is expected to bolster the squad and improve their chances of competing for top honors in the Saudi Pro League.
The club is currently managed by former Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, who is looking to rebuild the team after a disappointing start to the season. Al-Shabab suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Al-Khaleej in their opening game, highlighting the need for reinforcements and a change in fortunes.
Brownhill expressed his enthusiasm about joining Al-Shabab, stating, "I feel really honoured to join Al-Shabab. The way the manager plays – formation, system, and the vision that they see – is what really attracted me." He added, "I'm hoping to score a lot of goals, and we'll be aiming to win some trophies this season." His comments reflect his high expectations and desire to contribute significantly to his new team's success.
Brownhill's move to Al-Shabab marks a new chapter in his career, one that could be filled with exciting opportunities and challenges. While some may question his decision to turn down Premier League interest, the allure of a new adventure and the potential for significant financial rewards proved too strong to resist.
The Saudi Pro League continues to grow in stature, attracting players from Europe's top leagues. With Brownhill's arrival, Al-Shabab has added a quality player with experience and leadership qualities, someone who could make a real impact in the upcoming season. It remains to be seen how Brownhill will adapt to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed at Burnley, but one thing is certain: his move to Al-Shabab has added another intriguing storyline to the ever-evolving world of football.