• ARTICLE: Brownhill Saudi move confirmed

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 10:39 am**

Confirmed this morning

See link
https://www.uptheclarets.com/brownhill- ... -confirmed

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 10:46 am**

A new project with a cash incentive. I don’t blame him in the slightest for making that move, get the pension pot topped up, it’s a short career. Good luck to the young man, he was fantastic for us.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 10:51 am**

Good luck, hope it's a great move for you Josh!

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 10:52 am**

What a shame.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 10:58 am**

Wonder if he'll keep up the schtick, visiting the local vegan delis etc?

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 11:01 am**

I suspect he knew he was unlikely to be a regular starter, and didn't fancy a move to another Championship Club. He can do two years in Saudi, set himself up for life with his tax free earnings, playing relatively undemanding football, and then return to England, still aged only 31 ... he could then choose where to make his home, and get a two year deal at a Club, somewhere within an hours drive of wherever that is ! Sounds like a decent plan to me ...

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 11:54 am**

He's gone for the money and what's the football like out there personally nothing to write home about but good luck to him..

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:02 pm**

Strange choice at only 29 notwithstanding the ridiculous salary. Surely he can still command extremely good wages in Britain and Europe and that's where the most competitive football is.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:05 pm**

Sold his soul to serve a rather unpleasant and indeed evil state. Many would do the same but not sure that's any kind of justification.

After last season I honestly thought he might be improved enough to actually have a crack at the Premier League where he's previously not been up to it but I assume Parker and the other 19 managers didn't agree with me.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:09 pm**

Clarets4me wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 11:01 am
I suspect he knew he was unlikely to be a regular starter, and didn't fancy a move to another Championship Club. He can do two years in Saudi, set himself up for life with his tax free earnings, playing relatively undemanding football, and then return to England, still aged only 31 ... he could then choose where to make his home, and get a two year deal at a Club, somewhere within an hours drive of wherever that is ! Sounds like a decent plan to me ...

Where do I sign

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:10 pm**

Great financial move for him for sure. Fantastic captain for us and sometimes a great player BUT not in the prem - he’s knows that and we all know that.

Good luck to him but smells of back playing for a boring team like Leicester or Birmingham January

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:11 pm**

Great financial move for him for sure. Fantastic captain for us and sometimes a great player BUT not in the prem - he knows that and we all know that.

Good luck to him but smells of back playing for a boring team like Leicester or Birmingham in January

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:17 pm**

Bit weird the he has only gone for the money comments, which is pretty much why every single footballer signs for which ever club they are at.

When we get promoted the common comment was "we need an improvement of Brownhill". Then when he didn't sign a new deal it changed to "he won't sign for another club in the Prem" then when linked with Ipswich "bit of a joke if he goes there" then Leeds it became "anywhere but there" then Canada "why would he go there rather than play in the Prem" (despite already being claimed he wasn't good enough) now he has gone Saudi it is for the money.

Of course he has gone for the money (seems there are some out there who think players sign for us for the love of the club) for fans we watch a team we support for the players it is a job.

Where ever he went people were going to whinge or comment so he might as well earn as much as possible while doing so.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:23 pm**

daveisaclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:05 pm
Sold his soul to serve a rather unpleasant and indeed evil state. Many would do the same but not sure that's any kind of justification.

After last season I honestly thought he might be improved enough to actually have a crack at the Premier League where he's previously not been up to it but I assume Parker and the other 19 managers didn't agree with me.

Not sure the managers didn’t want him. We offered him a deal as did Wolves.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:25 pm**

claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:17 pm
Bit weird the he has only gone for the money comments, which is pretty much why every single footballer signs for which ever club they are at.

When we get promoted the common comment was "we need an improvement of Brownhill". Then when he didn't sign a new deal it changed to "he won't sign for another club in the Prem" then when linked with Ipswich "bit of a joke if he goes there" then Leeds it became "anywhere but there" then Canada "why would he go there rather than play in the Prem" (despite already being claimed he wasn't good enough) now he has gone Saudi it is for the money.

Of course he has gone for the money (seems there are some out there who think players sign for us for the love of the club) for fans we watch a team we support for the players it is a job.

Where ever he went people were going to whinge or comment so he might as well earn as much as possible while doing so.

I think gone for the money takes on a whole different meaning when he goes to such an inferior league for a lot more money.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:29 pm**

The morale stand point is debatable, but the league isn't as bad as many make out, and the vast majority of people would take the money! Ultimately he'll be playing against some top class players in empty stadiums, but that's his call. Good luck to him.

Too name but a few of the current players in the Saudi League... CR7, Darwin Nunez, Theo Hernandez, Kingsley Coman, Moussa Diaby, Ivan Toney, Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Fabinho, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, Yannick Carrasco (same club as Josh).

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:31 pm**

Been a great player for us, best of luck to him. As with everyone else, he must do what he feels best for him and his loved ones.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:32 pm**

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:23 pm
Not sure the managers didn’t want him. We offered him a deal as did Wolves.

In the team or in the squad is the question. I'd have liked to see him get a chance but I'm not sure he'd be in the starting XI after the signings we've made.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:33 pm**

"I feel really honoured to join Al-Shabab," Brownhill said.

"The way the manager plays - formation, system and the vision that they see - is what really attracted me.

"I'm hoping to score a lot of goals and we'll be aiming to win some trophies this season."

And of course the reported £5m per year tax free had absolutely no bearing on his move......

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:00 pm**

I bet when he was a kid dreaming about being a footballer, he dreamt about playing for the mighty Al Shabab playing in front of 3000 fanatical supporters.
Good luck Dosh, and thanks for your final and only memorable season.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:07 pm**

haha some comments on here are gold, its like being sat in a hair dressers when one of them is going through a divorce

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:12 pm**

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:33 pm
"I feel really honoured to join Al-Shabab," Brownhill said.

"The way the manager plays - formation, system and the vision that they see - is what really attracted me.

"I'm hoping to score a lot of goals and we'll be aiming to win some trophies this season."

And of course the reported £5m per year tax free had absolutely no bearing on his move......

Wouldn’t it be great if at least one of these mercenaries, sorry I mean footballers came out and said something like “ Only here for the money, haven’t a clue who they are or what colour they play in “ it’s horse crap it really is when they come out with these “so honored” statements !!

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:20 pm**

Wonder if him signing will help boost their average attendances - currently just under 3k, which would be the 23rd best if
Al Shabab competed in League 2.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:21 pm**

Bowclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:12 pm
Wouldn’t it be great if at least one of these mercenaries, sorry I mean footballers came out and said something like “ Only here for the money, haven’t a clue who they are or what colour they play in “ it’s horse crap it really is when they come out with these “so honored” statements !!

You can just imagine the positive reaction if one of our signings came out with that in their first interview!

** For the avoidance of doubt I’m being sarcastic **

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:24 pm**

All the best Josh and thank you.
You'll always be a Claret.
UTC

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:25 pm**

martin_p wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:21 pm
You can just imagine the positive reaction if one of our signings came out with that in their first interview!

** For the avoidance of doubt I’m being sarcastic **

Remember the comments aimed at Hartman when he said he wanted to play for a top side in the Prem, probably from those who want honesty

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:28 pm**

mikeS wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:24 pm
All the best Josh and thank you.
You'll always be a Claret.
UTC

That’s one thing he won’t always by - a Claret

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:28 pm**

It’s all about the money but at 29 bit of a shame he didn’t want to test himself properly as a Premier League standard player. Then again maybe he accepts he peaked as a Championship standard player. Certainly did very well for us at that level.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:33 pm**

Anyone who thinks he’ll be back in January wouldn’t want to be the one paying his tax bill if he was. At the very earliest he will be back next summer in the new tax year.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:35 pm**

martin_p wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:21 pm
You can just imagine the positive reaction if one of our signings came out with that in their first interview!

** For the avoidance of doubt I’m being sarcastic **

I’ve now got a lot more respect for Hartman than I have for Brownhill.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:40 pm**

Josh needed last season to boost his CV. Now he has monetised his earning potential to the max, and good luck to the lad.

Just been reminiscing this morning about how I could have made some better 'sliding doors' choices. Once the opportunities pass, they rarely crop up again. He'll have fewer 'sliding door regrets' than most of the population, and be able to live out his life in relative comfort and able to achieve most or all of his bucket list choices.

And then you die.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:49 pm**

Best of luck to Josh for his new venture.

He just needs to ensure he goes to the correct Al Shabab!

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:04 pm**

jlup1980 wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 12:29 pm
The morale stand point is debatable, but the league isn't as bad as many make out, and the vast majority of people would take the money! Ultimately he'll be playing against some top class players in empty stadiums, but that's his call. Good luck to him.

Too name but a few of the current players in the Saudi League... CR7, Darwin Nunez, Theo Hernandez, Kingsley Coman, Moussa Diaby, Ivan Toney, Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Fabinho, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Karim Benzema, Yannick Carrasco (same club as Josh).

Was staggered to see Hernandez go there. I was sure he'd end up in the PL. Joao Felix going at 25 means he either realises he's not going to be the star many predicted and/or only money counts.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:07 pm**

Good on him, hope he and his family have a great time out there.

Some real pettiness on here, for a guy who played nearly 200 games for us, was hardly ever injured, never kicked up a fuss and helped get us promoted twice.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:23 pm**

Good luck to him, its not somewhere i'd ever want to live but we're all different. And for what its worth i'd still have him starting for us ahead of Hannibal.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:37 pm**

agreenwood wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:20 pm
Wonder if him signing will help boost their average attendances - currently just under 3k, which would be the 23rd best if
Al Shabab competed in League 2.

Apparently there's a large Preston ex-pat population in Shabab and they're hoping signing Brownhill will generate some interest amongst them.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:45 pm**

Bowclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 1:35 pm
I’ve now got a lot more respect for Hartman than I have for Brownhill.

I’m not sure why. Brownhill has been a massive part of our success in the Championship, never made a fuss, never gave less than 100%, was honest about wanting new opportunities. He may have made a choice you don’t agree with, but then it’s his life not yours.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:56 pm**

martin_p wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:45 pm
I’m not sure why. Brownhill has been a massive part of our success in the Championship, never made a fuss, never gave less than 100%, was honest about wanting new opportunities. He may have made a choice you don’t agree with, but then it’s his life not yours.

Just to clarify, I wish him well. Brilliant player and good luck to him. Just wish he / they would cut out all the “honoured to play for this club” absolute b ull s hit !!!!

He’s there for the dosh and the dosh only

But, a good player in the championship for us

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 3:02 pm**

Bowclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:56 pm
Just to clarify, I wish him well. Brilliant player and good luck to him. Just wish he / they would cut out all the “honoured to play for this club” absolute b ull s hit !!!!

He’s there for the dosh and the dosh only

But, a good player in the championship for us

But that’s never going to happen realistically is it? Especially in the modern world of toxic social media, anyone saying ‘I’m only here for the money’ would be crucified.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 3:57 pm**

martin_p wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:45 pm
I’m not sure why. Brownhill has been a massive part of our success in the Championship, never made a fuss, never gave less than 100%, was honest about wanting new opportunities. He may have made a choice you don’t agree with, but then it’s his life not yours.

We did pay him over £2,000,000 a year + bonus, so i would expect nothing less than 100% effort from him.

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 5:37 pm**

Won’t be like playing at The Turf on a winters Tuesday night blowing a hooly and bucketing it down with only half time allowing a mere degree of thawing out!!!

Good luck to him………

Now, about the small matter of Liverpool this weekend………..

Posted: **Thu Sep 11, 2025 5:53 pm**

Good luck Josh didnt fancy the slog of Premier league and chose to top up his pension pot

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:27 am**

TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑
Thu Sep 11, 2025 2:37 pm
Apparently there's a large Preston ex-pat population in Shabab and they're hoping signing Brownhill will generate some interest amongst them.

Ha ha very good!

John Parkin was spotted at MacDonalds (Riyad) I believe.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 6:59 am**

99.9 % of people work for money first

Most people would like more money

Earnings are relative to lifestyle

All the best JB !

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 7:24 am**

All the best Josh.

Thanks for all your service over the years.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 10:07 am**

I remember my son in law telling me how upset his son - a Bristol City fan - was when we bought J. Brownhill.
I thought he was underused by SD, and i believe his best position is playing just behind the forwards.
Finished on a high with us last season.
At least i won’t see anymore ill judged references to him not being Premier league quality .
I thought him a great captain, fearless and a big loss to us now we are back in the Premier League.
I wish you well J B.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 11:22 am**

Was an excellent servant and captain for us and I think most of us wish him only the best.

Slightly surprised he’s made this move now as he’d probably get a similar deal in 2 or 3 years time, but that’s his choice.

Think some have been overly critical of him as “never Premier League standard”. He’s just had his best ever season, albeit in the Championship, and Parker was getting more out of him than any previous manager, so I think he’d have performed better in the big league this time around.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 11:55 am**

I support Burnley but if you offered me 100k tax free cash or 50k playing for Burnley getting taxed at aged 29, I would pick the 100k. Family comes first.

Good luck Josh. Great servant to the club and ended it on a high.

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 12:03 pm**

Now time to move on please close this post

Posted: **Fri Sep 12, 2025 12:12 pm**

What really surprised me is that over 50% of his goals for Burnley came last season. Premier League record is 6 goals in 111 games which highlights the difference between a Championship Brownhill and a Premier League Brownhill.

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