Bronwhill confirms departure

[warksclaret]

Suspect Josh and SP had a frank conversation towards end of last season, with Scott saying he could not guarantee him game time in the PL. Josh was already being regularly subbed for us towards the end of the season despite his incredible goal scoring and assists.

Then JB may have thought as a free agent the offers from PL clubs would come in, but there has not to date been one to attract him. Him and his agent may have therefore spent the last few months promoting themselves in North America, Saudi and maybe more countries on the basis that at least the package would be good. Also suspect that for Josh the thought of going back to the Championship when you have been a big fish in a small pond at Burnley, might prove detrimental to his playing career, and lets face it who can predict which three clubs will win promotion. It appears the most open race in years

[fatboy47]

Suspect Josh and SP had a frank conversation towards end of last season, with Scott saying he could not guarantee him game time in the PL. Josh was already being regularly subbed for us towards the end of the season despite his incredible goal scoring and assists.

Then JB may have thought as a free agent the offers from PL clubs would come in, but there has not to date been one to attract him. Him and his agent may have therefore spent the last few months promoting themselves in North America, Saudi and maybe more countries on the basis that at least the package would be good. Also suspect that for Josh the thought of going back to the Championship when you have been a big fish in a small pond at Burnley, might prove detrimental to his playing career, and lets face it who can predict which three clubs will win promotion. It appears the most open race in years

Don't come on here with your realism...

I doubt there's many clubs waving the sort of cash around that's been quoted btw...they want big names and Prem quality for the real big bucks

[Inchy]

Ok, hands up....if you had everything going for you in life: a job you were happy in and enjoyed doing; no money worries for the rest off your life; a healthy and loving family; and taking home, let's for arguments sake, say £25,000 pay a week after tax. (Something I normally took home after a year) who would not settle for that ?

Quite a few hands going up I see. Understandable.

Then who amongst us would not take the chance if it came along to double their take home pay to £50,000 / week ..... but with no guarantee that you'd be equally happy in your new job -- nor whether your family and others closely around you would be equally as happy?

Hhhmm, I still see quite a few hands spring up.

Ok, now repeat the same questions, ad verbatim......and look yes, more hands still going up !

So, my final question, when is enough enough?

You've already got everything ticked in life that most people would say are the most important things to strive for, health , wealth, loving family, happiness, etc....and yet you continually want more money above everything else.

And those that dont want to chase this seemingly endless pursuit for more money - so that they can "live like a King" (newcastleclaret) are simply idiots (venkys4eva) and therefore cant be "for real !".

I could go to the Middle East and earn double or even treble what I earn now, tax free, and with accommodation provided.

I would never do it though. I’m not sure I could live in a country with such superficial people. Also the law of the land doesn’t match my personal values. My brother in Law and his partner are gay. My kids love their uncles dearly. I wouldn’t want to live in a country where they couldn’t be themselves

[Inchy]

Although it is weird. One of my wives childhood friends, who is quite superficial, moved to the Middle East to work for quite a few years. She lives the life style. All she had to do is hide the fact she was Jewish. She even had to renew her passport before she went to hide the fact she had been to Israel on her birthright trip, as it was recommended to her to avoid any issues.

I thought she was mental

[Tufty]

But it doesn't matter what 'we' would do. There is no right answer. It's a free choice.
Just for balance, if I had ever had an opportunity to make a huge amount of money, legally, honestly, over a short period of time, over a maximum of 5 years, I might have taken that opportunity, especially at the age of 29/30/31.
Part of a professional footballer's life can involve a lot of moving around. It comes with the job description. You can choose from different options and it shouldn't be for others to judge you, on those decisions.

Well, it's put as a philosophical argument Darhill. Not disputing it as a free choice. What "we would do" does matter because it puts in perspective what you therefore are as a person and what you value most in life.

This argument is not necessarily built around what JB is thinking or doing, as none of us know the full details. But using the imagined scenario we have woven on the way it looks from the outside it's something I don't get. I'd prefer the involvement of English or European football for an obscene amount of money , over playing in a desert for an even more obscene amount of money where no-one outside of Saudi Arabia cares about what goes on.

[KellyClaret]

Suspect Josh and SP had a frank conversation towards end of last season, with Scott saying he could not guarantee him game time in the PL. Josh was already being regularly subbed for us towards the end of the season despite his incredible goal scoring and assists.

Then JB may have thought as a free agent the offers from PL clubs would come in, but there has not to date been one to attract him. Him and his agent may have therefore spent the last few months promoting themselves in North America, Saudi and maybe more countries on the basis that at least the package would be good. Also suspect that for Josh the thought of going back to the Championship when you have been a big fish in a small pond at Burnley, might prove detrimental to his playing career, and lets face it who can predict which three clubs will win promotion. It appears the most open race in years

Brownhill would still make our starting XI stringer for me. I'd start him over Hannibal

[Foshiznik]

I’d move to Saudi tomorrow if they quadrupled my wages for the same job but requiring less effort and challenge. If I didn’t like it I’d come back. Anyone would think that he was moving to the South Sudan or Myanmar Premier League if they read some of these comments about where he might be playing.

[Spijed]

I’d move to Saudi tomorrow if they quadrupled my wages for the same job but requiring less effort and challenge. If I didn’t like it I’d come back. Anyone would think that he was moving to the South Sudan or Myanmar Premier League if they read some of these comments about where he might be playing.

At least he won't have to put much effort in as the standard won't be any better than those leagues

[Foshiznik]

At least he won't have to put much effort in as the standard won't be any better than those leagues

That’s exactly what I mean!

[forzagranata]

Standard of the top teams in the Saudi league is pretty good - as Al HIlal proved at the Club World Cup (drawing with Real Madrid and beating Man City).

But it drops off pretty strongly outside of the elite teams.

[JohnMcGreal]

I can’t believe there are actually real people that want to pay tax.

No further questions, your honour.

[Tricky Trevor]

It shouldnt but try living without any , hes net worth at the moment is only about £11 million so over a 2 year deal he could double it tax free , His problem then will getting it back here lol

As long as he stays out of the UK for the required period it is tax free in Saudi, that is part of the deal. No tax on return is how I understand it but I’m sure we have some tax advisors on here.

[Spijed]

It shouldnt but try living without any , hes net worth at the moment is only about £11 million so over a 2 year deal he could double it tax free , His problem then will getting it back here lol

Only about £11 million.

If you and your family can't live off that amount very comfortably for the rest of your life then there's something seriously wrong with your financial management.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Maybe it's just me but I think there's something morally questionable about someone who wouldn't want to pay any tax at all on their earnings.

It's sociopathic.

It's still 100k a week in a country that doesn't tax people to the hilt

Anyone with half a brain would take it given a chance

[Goobs]

Only about £11 million.

If you and your family can't live off that amount very comfortably for the rest of your life then there's something seriously wrong with your financial management.

Yeah don't understand why more footballers don't retire at 30 and move to stoops. Live very comfortably.

People become accustomed to a certain level of lifestyle and if they maintained that living only off savings the I would guess £11m wouldn't last very long.

[CoolClaret]

I can’t believe there are actually real people that want to pay tax.

Find it even more baffling that people who claim to be 'patriotic' don't want to pay tax / go to great lengths to avoid it.

[JohnMcGreal]

It's still 100k a week in a country that doesn't tax people to the hilt

Anyone with half a brain would take it given a chance

Doesn't tax people to the hilt but does murder innocent people based on their sexual orientation.

No thanks. A grim 'state' for grim, soulless people.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Doesn't tax people to the hilt but does murder innocent people based on their sexual orientation.

No thanks. A grim 'state' for grim, soulless people.

OK
We're talking taxes, but deflect away and find any excuse you want

[Goliath]

Frustratingly I think we are really missing Brownhill. Hannibal doesn't look ready for this level yet.

Brownhill offers the same pressing but has much more of a goal threat and creative output from that inside right role.

[JohnMcGreal]

OK
We're talking taxes, but deflect away and find any excuse you want

The only deflecting being done is by people who are keen to defend very rich people making themselves even richer whilst turning a blind eye to the atrocities taking place around them.

If all a person cares about is how much money they can make and how much of it they can keep then I actually feel quite sorry for them.

[exilecanada]

I’ve read posts on here about Brownhill having split from his wife, other posts about him having got back with her. If he does go to Saudi and takes his wife along, I would assume they’ve considered what life his wife would lead in such a backward country. The reason I bring this up is I used to work with a guy who took up a well-paid position in Saudi on a two year contract. His wife came home after six months, she couldn’t handle all the restrictions placed on her due to the draconian Saudi laws.

[Tricky Trevor]

Wasn’t there talk on here of marital problems? If it leads to divorce you can half that £11m, unless he has it all in his Mums name!
There is a reason so many ex-players end up bankrupt. Gambling and drugs are biggies but multiple marriages and divorces has to be number 1.
This is the same reason they want to earn as much as possible.

[helmclaret]

‘Wasn’t there talk on here of marital problems?’

Brilliant

[Vegas Claret]

Frustratingly I think we are really missing Brownhill. Hannibal doesn't look ready for this level yet.

Brownhill offers the same pressing but has much more of a goal threat and creative output from that inside right role.

Hannibal needs to take far more care with his passes else he will soon find himself on the bench, he does the rest ok.

[Stanbill05]

Money isn't everything, but I can't believe how many people on this site are ready to refuse £100k a week on principle. Fair play.

I'd be grinning for the year or two I'd be suffering luxury Saudi compound living. Money doesn't always equal happiness, that's true, bit my god it can lift your mood especially when you expect to finish at 34. You can have a good go at being happy after with an overflowing bank account..

[Gibbo]

On Sky Sports transfer page this morning.

Wolves aim to bring in Brownhill

Latest from Sky Sports News' Lyall Thomas and James Savundra:

[JR1882]

His bargaining position may well be better after the window closes on Monday, free transfers aren’t tied to the transfer window and he may well get better offers if a club or clubs don’t get their required business done in time and are still needing reinforcements.

The Saudi window is also open a little longer.

[Foulthrow]

His bargaining position may well be better after the window closes on Monday, free transfers aren’t tied to the transfer window and he may well get better offers if a club or clubs don’t get their required business done in time and are still needing reinforcements.

The Saudi window is also open a little longer.

It needs to be because it’s so hot there.

[aggi]

Wasn’t there talk on here of marital problems? If it leads to divorce you can half that £11m, unless he has it all in his Mums name!
There is a reason so many ex-players end up bankrupt. Gambling and drugs are biggies but multiple marriages and divorces has to be number 1.
This is the same reason they want to earn as much as possible.

I have no idea of Brownhill's circumstances but interestingly (or not) a footballer was involved in a landmark divorce case.

When Ray Parlour got divorced his wife, for the first time, was also entitled to a share of his future earnings.

[ClaretTony]

I have no idea of Brownhill's circumstances but interestingly (or not) a footballer was involved in a landmark divorce case.

When Ray Parlour got divorced his wife, for the first time, was also entitled to a share of his future earnings.

Brownhill isn’t married

[scamander]

Just a bit on player finances - most have a lot of outgoings (e.g. cars/property/lifestyle). They aren't earning say 20k a week and living as if they were on 20k a year. There are many who fell foul of trying to live past what they were getting paid (for example Wes Brown).

[AfloatinClaret]

Given that JB's Burnley contract ended at the end of June, he's already circa £500k down on his earnings this year having effectively unemployed for July and August.

[brexit]

Returns tomorrow 2 year deal will be announced at 14:00
Claude 4.1b

[Ric_C]

Not sure about the source, but would be a strange one to make up

Al-Shabab have reached an agreement with English midfielder Josh Brownhill

https://x.com/Saudifutbol/status/1962954678293168210

[Im_not_Robbie_Blake]

Given that JB's Burnley contract ended at the end of June, he's already circa £500k down on his earnings this year having effectively unemployed for July and August.

Jobseeker's Allowance will help him out until he finds work.

[GetIntoEm]

Someone should start a gofundme

[billyhamilton82]

Not sure about the source, but would be a strange one to make up

Al-Shabab have reached an agreement with English midfielder Josh Brownhill

https://x.com/Saudifutbol/status/1962954678293168210

Glad he's going abroad and not joining a rival.

Good luck to him.

[Holtyclaret]

Given that JB's Burnley contract ended at the end of June, he's already circa £500k down on his earnings this year having effectively unemployed for July and August.

Imagine what his signing on fee would be as a free agent?

[Ptgclaret]

Given that JB's Burnley contract ended at the end of June, he's already circa £500k down on his earnings this year having effectively unemployed for July and August.

How much were we paying him?

[Burnley1989]

Given that JB's Burnley contract ended at the end of June, he's already circa £500k down on his earnings this year having effectively unemployed for July and August.

He'd get payed for July even though hes out of contract, its a PFA ruling (madness I know)

[Jakubclaret]

Given that JB's Burnley contract ended at the end of June, he's already circa £500k down on his earnings this year having effectively unemployed for July and August.

Given he would have been earning a bomb previously for years in today's earning climate he's way off flogging big issue he shouldn't be anyhow. Generally speaking players of his earning pedigree capacity should easily cushion losses of income spanning years if need be.

[Vegas Claret]

Doesn't tax people to the hilt but does murder innocent people based on their sexual orientation.

No thanks. A grim 'state' for grim, soulless people.

Look at the history of the UK, the US, Germany etc.........let's not pretend anyone in the Western world is a shining beacon of perfection !

Good luck to JB, if it's only a 2 year deal he'll come back extraordinarily wealthy and probably still one of the better players in the Championship.

[RVclaret]

Saudi is probably a safer place to live than the UK right now, in fairness.

[Iloveyoubrady]

Find it even more baffling that people who claim to be 'patriotic' don't want to pay tax / go to great lengths to avoid it.

Maybe because being patriotic has nothing to do with economic views and personal success…

[JR1882]

Saudi is probably a safer place to live than the UK right now, in fairness.

Most of the footballers going there live in the UAE/Bahrain and commute into Saudi. The biggest clubs have private jets for them to fly in on, totally different world for him there.

£100k tax free and imagine he’s got a few million signing on fee too.

[aggi]

He'd get payed for July even though hes out of contract, its a PFA ruling (madness I know)

This only applies if the contract offered was lower than the existing contract or no contract was offered.

[CoolClaret]

Saudi is probably a safer place to live than the UK right now, in fairness.

Not if you're a journalist.

[agreenwood]

Not if you're a journalist.

Or female, gay, a migrant worker etc etc.

So under 50% of the country are safe, but apart from that…

[bobinho]

Look at the history of the UK, the US, Germany etc.........let's not pretend anyone in the Western world is a shining beacon of perfection !

Good luck to JB, if it's only a 2 year deal he'll come back extraordinarily wealthy and probably still one of the better players in the Championship.

Key word there? History.

We’ve evolved. There are places on this planet still living in the dark ages…..

[Vegas Claret]

We’ve evolved.

Can't agree with you too much there Bob