Premier League club Everton have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Al-Shabab transfer target Josh Brownhill.
Brownhill is currently a free agent after running down his contract with newly promoted Burnley. He has recently turned down moves to Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
English clubs can no longer sign or loan players for a fee, whereas Saudi Arabia is one of the countries where the transfer window is still open. However, since Brownhill is a free agent, he can join any club, even outside of the regular transfer window.
Al-Shabab Close to Securing Josh Brownhill Transfer
According to reports, Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab have held talks with Josh Brownhill over a summer switch. Brownhill has seemingly given the green light, agreeing to join them on a two-year deal worth more than £100k-a-week.
Al-Shabab, who are 25/1 with football betting sites to win the Saudi Pro League, are hopeful Brownhill will add much-needed quality to their midfield.
The transfer, however, has yet to receive the final approval from the league. So, until that happens, there is the possibility of another team swooping in and prizing him away.
Everton Plan Surprise Brownhill Swoop
David Moyes’ Everton have enjoyed a brisk start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, winning two of their first three games. Alongside Liverpool and Chelsea, they are the only other Premier League team to win their last two matches.
Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish and former Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have been greatly responsible for their surge in performance. But sources say Everton are looking to add more dynamism to their midfield, with Josh Brownhill emerging as a transfer target.
As a versatile box-to-box midfielder, Brownhill strikes the perfect blend of strong defensive attributes and attacking intuition. Last season, he registered 2.1 tackles and 1 interception per 90 minutes. Coming to attack, he chipped in with 24 goal involvements in the Championship, helping Burnley secure promotion.
How has nobody picked up Josh Brownhill yet? Solid season at Burnley again and a big reason why they’re back in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/i92VoOKhkK
— Cotton (@THFC_Cotton) August 14, 2025
His addition would give Moyes more flexibility when he tries a more pragmatic approach against tougher opponents. Additionally, Brownhill could provide cover for Grealish if his unfortunate fitness issues catch up to him this season.
Everton understand that Al-Shabab are the favourites to land Brownhill, but they are set to try their hardest until the deal goes through.
Josh Brownhill Stats
Joined Preston U19 from Man Utd Youth in 2012. Showing his quality at Preston and Barnsley (loan), Brownhill established himself as a top talent in English football. In 2016, he joined Bristol City on a free transfer, spent another four years at the club before moving to Burnley. In July 2025, he became a free agent after the end of his five-year deal.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preston North End | 64 | 6 | 3 |
| Barnsley | 27 | 3 | 2 |
| Bristol City | 161 | 17 | 12 |
| Burnley | 211 | 32 | 23 |