Brownhill

[Awayfromburnley]

I do think he is perhaps not getting the premier league offers he was hoping for, if he had he'd have signed up asap.

Decent player and I know there is divided opinion on his premier league capability. I'd be ok if he signed back up, but equally not losing sleep over it. Can't see many other prem teams losing sleep over it.

Good luck to the man, he has been great for us but we need that next step up suitable for the prem.

[jedi_master]

Very odd to me that he would possibly choose Championship or MLS/Turkey ahead of the Premier League, personally.

I am starting to wonder (just putting this out there) if he has not been given assurances of his guaranteed starting in the team. If the club is approaching this season with a strategy of 'What we did last time did not work, we need to do something differently', maybe he has been told he would be part of a squad but that we would be looking to improve the centre of midfield if possible. I fail to see how else any of the options given would appeal to him when the MLS would surely be on the horizon whenever for him, if he fancied it. He's in his prime for God's sake.

[Corway]

It's good manners to end things by declaring best wishes & gratitude but it doesn't always happen elsewhere & realistically it's not necessary.

I’m sure he will do that once he’s decided to leave - that fact he hasn’t offers a glimmer of hope he’s wanting to stay.

[aggi]

Unless money is irrelevant to him now and he fancies a year or two of being one of the best players in the league?

And the chance to team back up with Kevin Long.

[fatboy47]

Let it go fellas....really, let it go.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Let it go fellas....really, let it go.

Elsa, is that you?

[exilecanada]

He won't be going for the weather as it's colder than here

MLS season runs from March to October so yes, the beginning and end could be a bit nippy, but there again he’d be playing in some intense summer heat in Toronto and US cities. Toronto FC do pay their ‘designated players’ well though, top earner was Lorenzo Insigne at a reported, eye watering $320,000 USD/week until he was recently cut from the team, second highest paid MLS player behind Messi. Club owners, Rogers Communications, have very deep pockets, they also own Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. Brownhill would more than likely be big fish in a small pond in Toronto. As someone mentioned it’s not a bad place to play, it’s not the city it once was though, crime is going through the roof and traffic is horrendous. I can’t see Brownhill going to MLS at this stage of his career unless the offer is too good to turn down.

[Commy]

Do we not need to know what he is doing so we can prepare? I wouldn't be surprised if the club go and sign someone else to replace him anyway with him dragging his heels.

[CyrilEbokiPoh]

Must admit I am a little surprised. I genuinely expected 1st July he would have announced where he was going and rocked up to training, it is a strange one.

I expect he has multiple offers on the table (including from us) and is working out which gives him the best earning potential while also playing regularly at the best possible level at what is his peak years after his best ever season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him return here. Although I think he has put a bit of extra pressure on himself now by not signing ahead of July.

[Goliath]

Is there a chance he actually just wanted a longer summer break here. It's genuinely a bit odd that someone at the peak of his career currently has no club after the start of pre-season

[Jakubclaret]

I’m sure he will do that once he’s decided to leave - that fact he hasn’t offers a glimmer of hope he’s wanting to stay.

I wouldn't quite put it like that if he wanted to really stay he would have already committed by now. He's waiting to see if a better offers comes along as he's entitled to do & we are the default.

[Commy]

Is there a chance he actually just wanted a longer summer break here. It's genuinely a bit odd that someone at the peak of his career currently has no club after the start of pre-season

He isn't having a break though as he has gone somewhere to train.

[helmclaret]

Is there a chance he actually just wanted a longer summer break here. It's genuinely a bit odd that someone at the peak of his career currently has no club after the start of pre-season

No player who is out of contract wants a break.

[Conroy92]

Personally whatever the offer was pre July. I would be making it clear that unless it's signed within a few days. It will be withdrawn and one on lesser terms offered.
People might call it petty and I would prefer him to stay but equally the club dosnt want to be in a position where it's hanging around for Josh to sign. Currently we are his back up choice and that dosnt sit right with me.

[Goliath]

No player who is out of contract wants a break.

It's unlikely but he knows he's got a big contract coming. It's a good opportunity to take his time and have an extended summer for once.

[martin_p]

Personally whatever the offer was pre July. I would be making it clear that unless it's signed within a few days. It will be withdrawn and one on lesser terms offered.
People might call it petty and I would prefer him to stay but equally the club dosnt want to be in a position where it's hanging around for Josh to sign. Currently we are his back up choice and that dosnt sit right with me.

I suspect the club is looking to bring in at least one central midfielder anyway. If and when that happens then that may be when any contract offer is withdrawn, it makes no sense to do it before.

[Big Vinny K]

Personally whatever the offer was pre July. I would be making it clear that unless it's signed within a few days. It will be withdrawn and one on lesser terms offered.
People might call it petty and I would prefer him to stay but equally the club dosnt want to be in a position where it's hanging around for Josh to sign. Currently we are his back up choice and that dosnt sit right with me.

Do you not think that the club know more than you about the situation ?
If he is leaving the club will know
If he is staying the club will know
And if he’s undecided and agreed with the club that he will let us know by a specific date the club will know

As fans we won’t know any of the fine detail - we’ll just find out at some point whether he’s left or stayed

[123EasyasBFC]

Personally whatever the offer was pre July. I would be making it clear that unless it's signed within a few days. It will be withdrawn and one on lesser terms offered.
People might call it petty and I would prefer him to stay but equally the club dosnt want to be in a position where it's hanging around for Josh to sign. Currently we are his back up choice and that dosnt sit right with me.

I agree, had 8 weeks to decide if he wanted to be at the club for the beginning of pre season

[Jakubclaret]

I suspect the club is looking to bring in at least one central midfielder anyway. If and when that happens then that may be when any contract offer is withdrawn, it makes no sense to do it before.

It's not just about him it's about team morale & the ethos. I'm not advocating the hardline approach but it's important what signals you want to send out or in this particular case don't.

[Conroy92]

Do you not think that the club know more than you about the situation ?
If he is leaving the club will know
If he is staying the club will know
And if he’s undecided and agreed with the club that he will let us know by a specific date the club will know

As fans we won’t know any of the fine detail - we’ll just find out at some point whether he’s left or stayed

Unless you are suggesting that the club know of a reason that has stopped Josh from physically putting his pen to paper it's not really relevant is it.
The two facts of the matter are, he has been offered a contract and he has not signed it.
It's quite clear he's exploring his options and that's fine. But the reality is he's had 6 months to do that now and we can no longer afford him the time of day. It's a ruthless game. And we move onto other targets as we would with any transfer. And as he would no longer be the first team addition he may have been 2 months ago, he would now get a revised offer to show his value to the squad rather than the first 11. We will be signing people who will play ahead of him.

[JR1882]

Deleted/taken down his instagram, something’s coming soon.

[Indecisive]

I’m very pragmatic about this kind of thing.

Imagine he is probably mulling over offers. Wouldn’t be surprised if the better financial deal, involves going to a club where he’s more of a squad player, and where there’s a decent chance he won’t be straight into the 1st eleven. Maybe the West Ham/Everton level of move.

I do think arguably his biggest value for us was having him as captain, and the way this season he really did seem to foster a great team spirit.

Can’t see him signing back on at this point, but I’m definitely not in the giving him ultimatums camp. I’ve loved having him at the club and he’s definitely one of those who I hope does well wherever he ends up.

[Big Vinny K]

Unless you are suggesting that the club know of a reason that has stopped Josh from physically putting his pen to paper it's not really relevant is it.
The two facts of the matter are, he has been offered a contract and he has not signed it.
It's quite clear he's exploring his options and that's fine. But the reality is he's had 6 months to do that now and we can no longer afford him the time of day. It's a ruthless game. And we move onto other targets as we would with any transfer. And as he would no longer be the first team addition he may have been 2 months ago, he would now get a revised offer to show his value to the squad rather than the first 11. We will be signing people who will play ahead of him.

The point is that the club will understand the situation better than you….so what is the point of saying that we should now reduce his contract terms or tell him to take it or leave it when you don’t have a clue what they have discussed or agreed ?

All this about it being a ruthless game and that he is “clearly” exploring other options are just assumptions. Whether they are right or wrong assumptions the club will know the exact situation and will do what is best for the club. We are not talking about Messi or Ronaldo here holding the club to ransom. And it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down our transfer activity either.

[Elizabeth]

Brownhill will be back if it's of mutual benefit.

[Conroy92]

The point is that the club will understand the situation better than you….so what is the point of saying that we should now reduce his contract terms or tell him to take it or leave it when you don’t have a clue what they have discussed or agreed ?

All this about it being a ruthless game and that he is “clearly” exploring other options are just assumptions. Whether they are right or wrong assumptions the club will know the exact situation and will do what is best for the club. We are not talking about Messi or Ronaldo here holding the club to ransom. And it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down our transfer activity either.

Your right, Brownhill isn't exploring any other options and is sat with a pen in his hand waiting for his arm to move forwards towards our contract. Unlikely but I'll let you have it.

[Bacchus]

Your right, Brownhill isn't exploring any other options and is sat with a pen in his hand waiting for his arm to move forwards towards our contract. Unlikely but I'll let you have it.

Equally, the club aren't likely to be just waiting patiently for him to make a decision at the potential cost of bringing in the best possible replacement. I'm sure both sides are dealing with the situation professionally and respectfully, exploring their options without resorting to the pettiness advocated by some on this thread and ultimately one party will make a decision that clears things up.

[Conroy92]

Equally, the club aren't likely to be just waiting patiently for him to make a decision at the potential cost of bringing in the best possible replacement. I'm sure both sides are dealing with the situation professionally and respectfully, exploring their options without resorting to the pettiness advocated by some on this thread and ultimately one party will make a decision that clears things up.

I hope they aren't. In which case they would be doing exactly what I suggested. If the club is not waiting patiently they have likely given an ultimatum or moved on to other targets.

This argument that we should just leave the offer on the table for Josh to fallback on if another club dosnt come calling or offer enough is somewhat laughable to me.

[beddie]

He needs to be careful that whilst the club may have left it with him to mull over they may get there targets and inform Brownhill the offers withdrawn.

[Big Vinny K]

Your right, Brownhill isn't exploring any other options and is sat with a pen in his hand waiting for his arm to move forwards towards our contract. Unlikely but I'll let you have it.

Are you struggling to read ?
Where did I say he wasn’t exploring other options ?

[Elizabeth]

He needs to be careful that whilst the club may have left it with him to mull over they may get there targets and inform Brownhill the offers withdrawn.

I think it will be more structured than that with an agreed date

[KRBFC]

I understand I’m probably in the minority here but I’d rather Brownhill left which would forced the club into the market. I don’t think a midfield with options of Brownhill, Cullen, Laurent and Hannibal is anywhere near good enough.

We probably need 2 big strong athletic lads in there and seeing Brownhill leave gives us space to do that.

[billyhamilton82]

I understand I’m probably in the minority here but I’d rather Brownhill left which would forced the club into the market. I don’t think a midfield with options of Brownhill, Cullen, Laurent and Hannibal is anywhere near good enough.

We probably need 2 big strong athletic lads in there and seeing Brownhill leave gives us space to do that.

I agree.

Personally I'd replace Brownhill with Billing and also bring in Harrison Reed.

Both the same age as Brownhill but proven at Premier League level.

[123EasyasBFC]

I understand I’m probably in the minority here but I’d rather Brownhill left which would forced the club into the market. I don’t think a midfield with options of Brownhill, Cullen, Laurent and Hannibal is anywhere near good enough.

We probably need 2 big strong athletic lads in there and seeing Brownhill leave gives us space to do that.

I agree, when you’re get past the sentiment of how good he was last season for us, our central midfield is going to be key

[Elizabeth]

I think most people just want it settled quickly and have come to the mindset that if he goes he goes

[ClaretTony]

Do we not need to know what he is doing so we can prepare? I wouldn't be surprised if the club go and sign someone else to replace him anyway with him dragging his heels.

We have no right to know what he's doing now he's out of contract, but we can, if we choose, withdraw the offer we've made him.

[ClaretTony]

I agree.

Personally I'd replace Brownhill with Billing and also bring in Harrison Reed.

Both the same age as Brownhill but proven at Premier League level.

Is Billing still at Bournemouth or did Napoli take up the option to make the loan permanent?

[Hedontplayforyou]

We have no right to know what he's doing now he's out of contract, but we can, if we choose, withdraw the offer we've made him.

Have we withdrawn?

[RVclaret]

Is Billing still at Bournemouth or did Napoli take up the option to make the loan permanent?

Didn’t make it permanent

[billyhamilton82]

Is Billing still at Bournemouth or did Napoli take up the option to make the loan permanent?

Back at Bournemouth

[longsidetrumpet]

It’s a yes from me for Billing

[ClaretTony]

Have we withdrawn?

I’ve heard absolutely nothing other than SSN yesterday saying he’s considering his options

[Murger]

We can’t carry on waiting around. It’s time to withdraw the offer and move onto other targets. He’s had more than enough time.

[Commy]

I like Billing as well. We need players in midfield who have been there and done it as they already know about how physical and athletic the players are and are used to it. Brownhill said he was shocked and that he couldn't get near Rodri when he was supposed to be marking him. McKenna also said that was what shocked him the most. It's ok bringing in foreign players but it will take a while for them to get up to speed.

[Hedontplayforyou]

I’ve got to say, if the numbers are true (80k a week) then I wouldn’t be too fussed if we left . That seems an awful lot for a player who hasn’t quite made the step up in the past

[Colburn_Claret]

Personally whatever the offer was pre July. I would be making it clear that unless it's signed within a few days. It will be withdrawn and one on lesser terms offered.
People might call it petty and I would prefer him to stay but equally the club dosnt want to be in a position where it's hanging around for Josh to sign. Currently we are his back up choice and that dosnt sit right with me.

You're right, it is petty.

[Guller Bull]

This smells a bit BS

(Apologies if posted higher up - been a bit busy)

https://wakingthered.com/2025/07/08/204 ... ll-report/

[KernowHouseClaret]

Can we close this thread down now, Jesus it's embarrassing.
He hasn't signed, he's weighing up his options, he's currently not our player...let's all move on FFS

[AfloatinClaret]

We can’t carry on waiting around. It’s time to withdraw the offer and move onto other targets. He’s had more than enough time.

That's where the professional/grown up bit comes into play; there's no sense in withdrawing any offer until we've definitely secured JB's replacement.

[aggi]

I’ve heard absolutely nothing other than SSN yesterday saying he’s considering his options

Come on Tony, that's not how you do this.

You need to present something outrageous as fact. We've offered him £150k a week and the hand of Pace's first born in marriage. Or maybe you've heard he's signing for Real Madrid and he's just stringing us along because he was upset at the range of vegan meals in the canteen.

[GetIntoEm]

I still think Brownhill will sign. If he was going somewhere else it would have been done day 1