Exclusive: What Sky Sports pundit has said about Ipswich Town's chances of signing Josh Brownhill | OneFootball

Don Goodman expressed his shock at the midfielder's decision to leave Burnley

Josh Brownhill has confirmed his departure from Burnley as a free agent, sparking fresh speculation about his future with former promotion rivals Ipswich Town among those previously linked with the midfielder's services.

The 29-year-old captain announced his exit from Turf Moor on Monday via social media, bringing to an end five-and-a-half years at the club where he scored 32 goals in 211 appearances across all competitions.

Brownhill's departure comes after his contract expired at the end of June, despite the Clarets' immediate return to the Premier League following their Championship-winning campaign.

Ipswich Town had been credited with interest in the versatile midfielder back in June, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting the Tractor Boys were monitoring his situation.

Don Goodman "staggered" with Burnley

Speaking exclusively to FLW about Brownhill's situation, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman expressed his shock at the midfielder's decision to leave Burnley.

"I’ve said it before about Josh Brownhill really. I’m staggered that Burnley couldn’t come up with some kind of package to satisfy Josh Brownhill's financial needs," Goodman told FLW.

"If that’s not the reason that he’s leaving then fair play - if he’s got a better offer at a bigger club then you could understand it from his perspective but at the minute, that remains to be seen," he added.

Brownhill enjoyed a career-best season in 24/25, netting 18 goals and providing six assists in the second-tier as Burnley secured promotion with 100 points - making the Clarets the greatest team ever to end the season second.

Finishing as joint-second highest scorer in the division alongside Leeds United's Joel Piroe, Brownhill lost out on appearing in the Team of the Season to Jobe Bellingham, AO Tanaka and Gus Hamer.

Josh Brownhill dropping back down would be a big surprise

Goodman was particularly suprised by suggestions that Brownhill could drop down to the Championship, despite Ipswich's strong reputation under Kieran McKenna.

"I would be really surprised if he ended up at a Championship club, no matter how much I fancy Ipswich’s chances of being at the top of the Championship this season," Goodman continued.

McKenna's side have already begun their midfield rebuild following relegation, with Sam Morsy departing for Kuwait and loanee Kalvin Phillips returning to Manchester City - with Football Insider reporting the latter wants a move back to Leeds.

Town are reportedly hoping to re-sign Swedish international Jens Cajuste from Napoli, but Gazzetta dello Sport say he is keen on playing Premier League football again.

Goodman believes Brownhill should follow Cajuste's reported mindset, "I’d be really surprised if Josh Brownhill was prepared to drop down to the Championship as his next venture."

However, Brownhill's proven Championship pedigree - having starred for Bristol City and the Clarets at this level - would undoubtedly provide McKenna with a ready-made solution for Azor Matusiwa's partner in midfield.

For the player himself, the decision appears to revolve around his desire for a new challenge at this stage of his career. In his farewell statement, Brownhill explained, "My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further.

"I feel that a new project at this point in my career simply allows me to do that."

Whether that new project is in the Premier League - as Goodman expects - or sees him drop down to lead another promotion push, remains to be seen. But Ipswich would certainly be a very good new project for Brownhill.