5 EFL Championship clubs plot move to sign Josh Brownhill | OneFootball

FLW looks at the Championship sides involved in the race to sign Josh Brownhill

11 months after joining Saudi Pro League side, Al-Shabab, on a free transfer following his Burnley exit, experienced midfielder Josh Brownhill could be set for a rather swift return to English football.

That is according to TEAMtalk, with a report stating that as many as seven teams in the Premier League and Championship are interested in acquiring his services.

The 30-year-old has made 37 appearances for the Middle Eastern outfit since his arrival last September, scoring seven times and providing a further three assists, but it has been claimed that the arrival of ex-Arsenal midfielder and Ghanaian international, Thomas Partey, has forced the hierarchy at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium to explore various ways of balancing their financial books, with Brownhill appearing to be a saleable asset.

The midfielder has over 300 appearances at Premier League and Championship level under his belt, as well as winning the division in 2022/23 with the Clarets under Vincent Kompany, whilst also netting a remarkable 18 goals in the second tier in 2024/25.

The aforementioned report has revealed interest from top-flight newcomers, Coventry City and Hull City, as well as five Championship sides, and Football League World have looked at the reasons behind their respective interests.

Birmingham City

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The first of five Championship clubs looking to potentially add the Manchester United academy graduate to their squads is Birmingham City, who have had a frustrating start to the season under Chris Davies.

It has also been a slow-moving transfer window in comparison to years gone by at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, with only six additions made and so little time to go between now and Tuesday's 11PM deadline.

However, after Blues were heavily criticised by some supporters in previous transfer windows for not adding as many high-level Championship players with proven experience, it is that which is said to attract the West Midlands side to Brownhill, as he has made 231 appearances at the level for the likes of Preston North End, Bristol City and, of course, Burnley.

Southampton

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Southampton entered this season in unprecedented circumstances due to Spygate, and whilst it remains to be seen if Tonda Eckert will still be in charge in a matter of weeks, the club are still extremely active in the transfer market.

Saints' midfield is currently an intriguing department to evaluate, as they have already lost the spark provided by Shea Charles, who joined Fulham earlier in the month, whilst there have also been worries over the long-term future of German ace, Caspar Jander.

However, whilst they are reportedly closing in on a reunion with James Ward-Prowse, it has been suggested that Brownhill has appeared on the Hampshire side's radar as they eye further midfield reinforcements between now and the start of next week.

West Ham United

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Meanwhile, West Ham are also said to be firmly in the mix for Brownhill's services alongside Coventry and Hull after what has been a disappointing return to the Championship for the East London side.

Only a handful of transfer moves have been made by Nuno Espírito Santo, albeit one of those is the EFL's all-time transfer record, which saw Arne Engels join from Celtic for £22m.

With Ward-Prowse closing in on a return to St Mary's, this also leaves the Hammers in need of further midfield depth and experience, which Brownhill can clearly provide, as well as his ability to create a multitude of goalscoring opportunities for himself and other teammates.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

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Wolves' midfield is one of the most impressive in the Championship on paper, having been able to extend Andre's contract until 2030 earlier this summer, whilst recently loaning last term's Young Player of the Season, Jordan James, from Stade Rennais, with the deal also including an option-to-buy.

However, whilst they still have the services of Marshall Munetsi, Tommy Doyle and Boubacar Traore beyond that, the latter of those has recently been linked with a potential switch to Portsmouth.

As such, it has been reported that the Old Gold and Black have been made aware of Brownhill's circumstances and could make their own move.

Wrexham

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The last club said to be holding an interest in Brownhill's services are the equally-ambitious Wrexham, who have recently completed a flurry of transfer deals.

After narrowly missing out on the play-off places last season, the Red Dragons are looking to further bolster their squad with experience, which they have already done in midfield through the addition of Ben Whiteman.

Just like Birmingham, it is the midfielder's overall record at this level which makes Brownhill an attractive option in the window's final days, whilst they will also hope their financial circumstances can aid the completion of said deal despite intense competition.