Why Josh Brownhill would be a brilliant signing for Burnley
According to Daily Mail, Burnley are close to agreeing on a deal for Bristol City’s Josh Brownhill as part of discussions to sell Nahki Wells to the Championship side.
The report also suggests that Brownhill is a man in demand after helping his side into playoff contention, with the Robins sitting in the 6th position in the second-tier.
Brownhill, 24, who came through the youth ranks of Manchester United and Preston North End, played for Barnsley on loan. He moved to Bristol City in the summer of 2016 and has been a regular member of the squad for the past three years. In over 162 appearances for the Robins, he has scored 17 goals while providing 12 assists.
And as per the report, the Clarets have seemingly made a breakthrough in negotiations with Bristol City for their captain, with the proposal of Nahki Wells moving in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, Sean Dyche’s men are currently 13th in the Premier League standings after back-to-back wins against Leicester City and Manchester United in recent weeks. They have not been convincing throughout the season, however, losing their FA Cup fourth-round tie against league rivals Norwich City.
Burnley’s frontmen Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez have been in good form of late, scoring 20 of their team’s 28 league goals this season. The trio has managed to find the back of the net at a decent rate but the same cannot be said of the players in different positions.
The defence has conceded 38 goals in 24 games so far and they have limited members in the midfield. Jeff Hendricks and Robbie Bradley are the only players available as central midfielders. And therefore, immediate reinforcements should be roped in.
To that end, Bristol City’s captain Josh Brownhill would be an ideal candidate to add to their squad for the rest of the season and for the future.
Brownhill has put in consistent performances for the side and already has 5 goals and 2 assists to his name this campaign, matching the same number of goals he scored in each of the past two seasons.
The 24-year-old is predominantly a central midfielder but is also capable of playing in an advanced role and as an anchor. His immense experience in the lower division leagues speaks volumes.
Verdict
The Warrington-born midfielder would bolster the Clarets’ midfield ranks. In fact, he would add depth and provide cover for the likes of Hendricks and Brady, both of whose contracts with the club are set to expire this summer. Therefore, Burnley pulling off a deal for the midfielder would be a brilliant move.
