Leeds United have been linked with Josh Brownhill on and off for a number of months, with the midfielder currently a free agent.
Josh Brownhill remains a free agent after leaving Burnley earlier this summer. The 29-year-old had enjoyed a whirlwind season with the Clarets scoring an incredible 18 goals in 42 Championship games, assisting six more too.
In the end, Joel Piroe won the Championship Golden Boot, but only with one more goal than Brownhill who plays as an attacking midfielder.
Now, following Leeds United’s disastrous deadline day in which Daniel Farke tried and failed to sign a new attacking player, there are understandably cries from Leeds fans to see what the club can do with whoever’s left on the free agent market.
Burnley player Josh Brownhill during a Championship game against Sunderland.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Graham Smyth explains why Leeds United are unlikely to sign Josh Brownhill
Brownhill remains hot property. Now with the window closed, it’s surely a matter of time before he’s snapped up. Where he remains though; country and league, remains a bit of a mystery. Writing for Yorkshire Evening Post though, journalist Graham Smyth explains that it’s unlikely Leeds sign Brownhill on a free transfer.
It comes down to two main reasons: Where would Brownhill even fit in the team? And how much would he want in terms of wages, and for how many years?
Smyth writes: “There are reasons he’s an unlikely target for Leeds, however, as things stand. They do have midfield injury issues currently with both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka out. Once they get fit, however, would Brownhill get in the team ahead of the other 8s? Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Tanaka would make life difficult on that front.”
Ao Tanaka during Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Ao Tanaka injury gives Leeds United reason to sign Josh Brownhill
Interestingly, Smyth adds that Tanaka’s injury potentially being a longer-term one could force Leeds to try their hand on a free agent like Brownhill.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Currently, Tanaka is sidelined for several weeks with an MLC injury. The true extent of his injury remains somewhat unclear and so Brownhill could be a viable option to come in should Tanaka be out for longer than expected.
Despite that, the club’s Managing Director Robbie Evans says it’s unlikely Leeds United sign free agents any time soon, suggesting that there’s no great ‘need’ for any such signings and that there aren’t many decent options left anyway.
For Farke, a free agent signing now would only patch over the issues left behind after the summer transfer window. Besides, it’s strikers that Leeds United need more than an attacking midfielder like Brownhill, who’ll surely want to join a club where he knows he’ll get guaranteed game time.
Leeds United return to action against Fulham later in the month.
The Leeds United Club Badge
Photo by Visionhaus