TBR Football can exclusively reveal that MLS side Toronto FC have made a bid to sign a Burnley star.
Burnley return to the Premier League after earning automatic promotion following a second-placed finish in the Championship last season, finishing level on points with league winners Leeds United.
Their remarkable defence laid the foundation of their successful season, as they set a new English League record for conceding the fewest goals (16) in a 46-game season.
Maxime Esteve was named Player of the Season by the fans, but another name stood out, their captain, Josh Brownhill, who played a key role in their promotion.
Josh Brownhill celebrating after scoring for Burnley vs Milwall
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Burnley hero Josh Brownhill subject to offer from MLS side
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that MLS giants Toronto FC have launched a bid to land Brownhill, one of the most sought-after free-agent midfielders in Europe.
Brownhill’s contract at promoted Burnley has expired but manager Scott Parker is desperate to keep his captain, who played a starring role in their promotion to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old finished as the top scorer for the Clarets, scoring 18 goals in the Championship, the second-most, only one behind League’s top scorer Joel Piroe. He also provided six assists, finishing the season with 24 goal contributions in 44 games.
The numbers show why Brownhill is a player in demand; however, Parker does not want to lose his star player, especially now that they will be playing in the Premier League.
TBR Football can confirm there is interest from rival Premier League clubs, as well as sides in Italy, Germany, Turkey and the Saudi Pro League.
But we understand that Toronto have made a significant move to land Brownhill, with the club focusing on targeting players who are in their prime.
As per TBR Football sources, Toronto executives have flown to England to put their project to Brownhill and have put together a substantial offer to the player worth close to £20m.
Brownhill is yet to decide on his future, but a move to Canada is now firmly being considered by the former Manchester United trainee.
Scott Parker is a huge fan of Josh Brownhill
It is no surprise that Parker does not want to lose Brownhill, given what he brings to the team.
Brownhill, who has previously been linked with Tottenham, finished the season in style, scoring twice to help his side to a 3-1 win against Millwall on the final day of the season.
After the game, Parker discussed his star captain, lavishing praise on his captain. He said: “But this game [against Millwall] probably epitomised Browny. We win 3-1, he scores two goals, scores the goal that gets us back in the game at 1-1…
“The biggest compliment I can also give to Browny is I think everyone sees Browny every time he walks on the football field in terms of the fans and you guys.
“But this is a guy that brings solid traits, he’s an unbelievable professional, he’s been a main driver of what we tried to create in the changing room. He’s been a true leader and a captain of this group and has been a major part of why we’ve done what we’ve done. His goals represent that as well.”
Club Games Goals Assists
Burnley FC 211 32 23
Bristol City 161 17 12
Preston North End 64 6 3
Barnsley FC 26 3 2
Total 462 58 40
Josh Brownhill career stats
Parker was confident that the player would sign a new deal, but that has not been the case as yet, with the player now officially a free agent.
Whether he accepts the offer from MLS or waits for another team in Europe to make an offer remains to be seen.