James Trafford responds to Josh Brownhill announcement as Burnley exit confirmed
Burnley are facing an uncertain summer despite returning to the Premier League, and on Monday, another exit was confirmed.
The Clarets finished second in the Championship last season with a whopping 100 points on the board, conceding just 16 goals in 46 matches and only finishing behind Leeds United on goal difference.
And while Burnley have signed the likes of Loum Tchaouna, Bashir Humphreys and Marcus Edwards — among others — there has been serious uncertainty regarding the futures of key players James Trafford and Josh Brownhill.
Trafford clocked up 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship outings last season but looks set to rejoin Manchester City, while Josh Brownhill’s contract has expired despite registering a team-high 18 league goals in 2024/25.
Josh Brownhill announces Burnley exit
It was thought Burnley were working hard to try and agree a new deal with Brownhill — who joined the club from Bristol City in January 2020 — but now, those talks appear at an end.
The 29-year-old midfielder posted an image of himself in action for Burnley to Instagram on Monday (28 July), along with the caption: “Always a claret.”
| Burnley stats | Josh Brownhill |
| Appearances | 211 |
| Goals | 32 |
| Assists | 23 |
Brownhill included a statement in his post noting that ‘now is the right time’ to start a new chapter, while thanking the club and supporters for his five-and-a-half years at Turf Moor.
A number of Brownhill’s former Burnley teammates reacted to his announcement, including Trafford, who liked the post and commented with four heart emojis.
What next for Josh Brownhill?
Given his excellent 2024/25 campaign, Brownhill will have no lack of suitors.
Everton are short of midfield options after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract expired and Orel Mangala’s loan ended. West Ham United, meanwhile, are also on the lookout for a new midfielder, and both clubs are understood to be interested in acquiring Brownhill.
However, the Premier League duo look set to face competition from Glasgow giants Celtic.
The Hoops are looking to further strengthen after they drew level with Rangers on 55 Scottish Premiership titles last season — with one more meaning they’ll overtake their arch-rivals for the first time since the 1920s.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers scout Mick Brown exclusively backed Brownhill to join Celtic to Football Insider back in January, and now, Brendan Rodgers’ side have their chance.
Burnley have played two pre-season friendlies so far as they prepare for life back in the top-flight, drawing 2-2 against Shrewsbury before beating Huddersfield 2-0.
Scott Parker’s men take on Stoke City and Lazio before opening the Premier League season away at Tottenham Hotspur.