Football League World
·20 July 2024
"I'd book him the next flight" - Burnley urged to cash in amid Saudi, West Ham & Wolves interest
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·20 July 2024
FLW's Burnley fan pundit has given his verdict on the future of midfielder Josh Brownhill.
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Burnley are preparing for life back in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League, but Josh Brownhill may not be with them amid interest from Steven Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq.
It was an incredibly disappointing campaign for the Clarets last season as they were relegated with a total of just 24 points, but despite their struggles in the top flight, manager Vincent Kompany made a shock move to German giants Bayern Munich in May.
Scott Parker has been appointed as Kompany's replacement, and after winning two previous promotions from the Championship with Fulham and Bournemouth, the 43-year-old will be looking to achieve a third with Burnley next season.
The Clarets have brought in three new signings so far this summer, with Shurandy Sambo, Lucas Pires and Andreas Houtondji arriving at Turf Moor, and there are likely to be plenty more to come.
There has been one high-profile departure at the club, with goalkeeper Aro Muric completing a move to Ipswich Town, and midfielder Josh Brownhill could follow him out of the exit door.
Burnley took up their option to extend Brownhill's contract by a further year this summer, but according to HITC, he is attracting interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard, as well as West Ham, Wolves, Brentford, Rennes and Fiorentina - Everton and Leicester City were linked with the 28-year-old in January.
Brownhill has been a key player for the Clarets since joining the club from Bristol City in January 2020, scoring 14 goals and providing 17 assists in 167 games, but his time in Lancashire could be coming to an end.
FLW's Burnley fan pundit Ben Livingstone believes that with just one year remaining on his contract, the Clarets should look to cash in on Brownhill for around £10 million this summer, but he also thinks the midfielder is a player that Parker may be keen to keep hold of.
"If Steven Gerrard wants Josh Brownhill, I'd personally book him the next flight," Ben told Football League World.
"He has one year left on his deal, and I'd definitely cash in, 100 per cent.
"He may be a player that Scott Parker might like, his work ethic reminds me of Harrison Reed who he had at Fulham.
"Rather than him going for free next summer, you might as well cash in for £10 million now and spend that money on some good replacements."
Burnley are facing a big decision on Brownhill's future this summer as his list of suitors increases.
Ben is right that Parker will likely be reluctant to lose Brownhill, and after the crucial role he played as the Clarets won the Championship title in the 2022-23 campaign, he could be a huge asset in the second tier next season.
However, with just one year remaining on his contract, it could be Burnley's last chance to secure a significant fee for Brownhill, and the money would help to balance the books at the club following relegation.
While the wages on offer would be tempting, Brownhill may be unwilling to make the move to Saudi Arabia at the age of 28, but the opportunity to remain in the Premier League could be too good for him to turn down.