Josh Brownhill Set To Join Al Shabab After Burnley Exit

Josh Brownhill, who used to be Burnley’s captain, is moving to Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia. He has completed his medical examination and will sign a two-year contract. Brownhill’s career is taking a big step as he prepares to leave England, where he played well last season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Brownhill, now 29 years old, played an important role for Burnley last season. He scored 18 goals and made 6 assists in 42 league games. Even though Burnley tried to keep him, he declined a contract extension and chose to leave as a free agent. Premier League and Championship teams like Wolves, Leeds, Leicester, Everton, and Celtic wanted him, but he picked Al Shabab. They offered him over £100,000 a week. After finishing his medical examination in Riyadh, Al Shabab will officially announce his signing soon, along with AC Milan’s Yacine Adli, who is also joining the Saudi club.

UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSFER CONTEXT

Brownhill has decided to join Al Shabab after a great season where he was Burnley’s captain and led them to promotion to the Premier League. Burnley finished second in the Championship and earned automatic promotion. Brownhill was one of the league’s best midfielders, attracting interest from several English clubs. Meanwhile, Al Shabab struggled in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season, finishing eighth out of 18 teams. This transfer shows their determination to do better next season. Al Shabab hopes Yacine Adli will boost their midfield quality and experience.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BROWNHILL AND AL SHABAB?

Brownhill will soon be introduced as an Al Shabab player. Along with Yacine Adli, he is expected to bring leadership and strength to the midfield. Al Shabab wants to rise up the table. Their next game is against Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. Al Ettifaq finished seventh last season, just above Al Shabab. A win would narrow the gap and give Al Shabab a boost early in the season. Brownhill’s immediate challenge is to adjust fast to a new league, weather, and playing style as Al Shabab aims to use his experience to compete for higher positions in the league.