Josh Brownhill
Josh Brownhill has confirmed his departure from Burnley, despite the club’s recent promotion to the Premier League. The 29-year-old midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Burnley’s immediate return to the top flight by scoring 18 goals last season, has chosen to become a free agent, sparking interest among top-tier clubs.
Josh Brownhill said: “My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further and continue to grow as a person and a professional.”
Brownhill’s decision to leave Burnley comes after much speculation about his future. With 111 Premier League appearances under his belt, his experience makes him a valuable asset for clubs seeking to bolster their midfield options. His departure from Turf Moor coincides with Burnley’s efforts to rejuvenate their squad with younger talent, including the signings of 22-year-olds Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry, as well as the impending arrival of teenage defender Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes has highlighted the need for reinforcements following a pre-season defeat to Bournemouth, which exposed the lack of depth in his squad. Everton’s injury concerns, including those of James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Michael Keane, have left the club with limited options, as evidenced by their nine-man bench in a recent Summer Series match.
David Moyes said: “If I’m honest, we’ve actually tried to target the more senior players if we can, players who are maybe over the age of 25 with Premier League experience.”
Moyes’ desire to add experienced players to Everton’s ranks could see Brownhill emerge as a potential target. The midfielder’s availability on a free transfer aligns with Everton’s need to strengthen their central midfield without exhausting their transfer budget, which is being managed by the new owners, the Friedkin Group.
Everton’s recruitment team is prioritizing central midfield and right wing positions. While the club has shown interest in players like Malick Fofana and Tyler Dibling, Brownhill’s Premier League experience and versatility could make him an attractive option. Additionally, the club is considering other seasoned players, such as Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who currently plays for Lyon and could provide depth in both the right-back and midfield positions.
As the transfer window progresses, Brownhill’s next move remains a point of interest for several Premier League clubs looking to enhance their squads with proven talent.
[Read the original article on Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-given-decision-make-after-32161184)