Birmingham City & Southampton must consider early moves for former Burnley star | OneFootball

FLW looks at two Championship clubs who could benefit from the signing of Josh Brownhill

Even though the summer transfer window closed less than one month ago, all 24 Championship clubs will soon be plotting moves for targets as the market reopens for business on January 1st.

In recent months, we have seen a plethora of new additions to the division already making their presence felt at both ends of the pitch, regardless of whether their services were courted on a free transfer or for significant fees.

We also saw West Ham United break the EFL's all-time transfer record for the signing of Arne Engels from Celtic, although it is true that splashing the cash doesn't always guarantee success, particularly in English football's second tier.

However, one former Championship star who could be signed on a free transfer in a matter of months is Josh Brownhill, who currently plies his trade for Al-Shabab of the Saudi Pro League, having moved to the Middle East last September for £0 after leaving Burnley upon the expiration of his Turf Moor contract.

Brownhill, 30, scored 18 times in 42 games from midfield two seasons ago as the Clarets hit the 100-point mark under Scott Parker, and also won the division in East Lancashire with Vincent Kompany at the helm in 2022/23.

Although it was reported that as many as five Championship clubs were eyeing his services in late August, a deal never came to fruition, but Football League World have looked at two sides in the league who should eye an early move for the experienced figure as his current contract winds down.

Birmingham City

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Birmingham City were one of the five Championship sides credited with interest in Brownhill last month, and even later down the line, Chris Davies ought to be weighing up a move for the ex-Manchester United academy player.

Although the 41-year-old recruited Max Bird from Bristol City and secured Jhon Solis' services on a permanent deal from Girona FC this summer, there are still question marks over the strength-in-depth at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

South Korean international, Paik Seung-ho, has failed to work his way back into the side despite starting the campaign in an advanced position, whilst FLW's Blues fan pundit, Jason Moore, believes that Tomoki Iwata, who is out-of-contract next June, doesn't have a future at the club beyond then.

Furthermore, Marc Leonard is currently omitted from Davies' squad and will have gone over six months without playing by the time he recovers from a ruptured achilles.

Even if a short-term addition can potentially be sourced in the winter, the addition of Brownhill would provide extensive high-level Championship experience for the club, especially if they fall short in their aim of promotion for a second successive season.

Southampton

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There are, of course, more pressing matters for higher-ups at Southampton to be considering right now than January transfer plans, with it currently unknown as to what punishment Tonda Eckert will receive in the wake of the FA's Spygate hearing.

However, Saints were also said to have monitored Brownhill's current situation in Saudi Arabia, and depending on circumstances, a move to St Mary's would be smart for all parties.

Brownhill's versatility means he continues to perform in a deep-lying or an advanced role, which Saints looked to add extra depth in as the window drew to a close on September 1st, especially after losing Shea Charles to Fulham following his six goals in all competitions throughout 2025/26.

It also remains to be seen if Caspar Jander can rekindle the same veins of form which he enjoyed last season that subsequently attracted strong transfer interest in the summer, even though the German is yet to feature this season through a quad injury.