When Josh Brownhill Was Celtic Transfer Target And Why Hoops Could Revisit

Josh Brownhill was a target for Celtic back in the January transfer window – and he could return to their shortlist again this month.

The 29-year-old central midfield player is now a free agent after leaving Burnley at the end of last season, much to the disappointment of the Claret supporters.

Brownhill had made 44 appearances as a key man at Turf Moor and he scored 18 goals for the club last term alone, as well as producing as many as six assists as the club won promotion to the Premier League.

It was his most prolific campaign and coincided with his decision to leave for a fresh challenge.

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic wanted the player back in January and were understood to have made contact with his representatives over a pre-contract. Nothing came of that one for player nor club, but it is realistic for the Hoops to potentially make him a target once again.

Celtic had interest in Burnley’s Josh Brownhill

Celts had a poor summer window with Adam Idah leaving for Swansea City without being properly replaced before the deadline.

Rodgers wanted David Datro Fofana on loan from Chelsea before he opted for Charlton instead. Unfortunately the paperwork could not be done for the player and he was forced to stay at Stamford Bridge to kick rocks.

They had wide players they could not sign as well as another striker, even though Celtic did eventually land Kelechi Iheanacho on a year-long contract.

And now that the transfer window is officially closed – it shut in Scotland on Monday night at 11pm – their chairman, Michael Nicholson, and the manager may look towards the freebie market where Brownhill currently resides.

The experienced former Bristol City, Preston North End and Barnsley playmaker is still on the lookout for a new employer and a move to Glasgow to compete for trophies and play in Europe could be enough to convince him to make the move.

Other Brownhill options for free transfer move

Of course there are always going to be challengers for his signature, as was recently claimed to be the case.

According to Football Insider, Graham Potter fancied Brownhill and hoped to take him to the London Stadium in the summer.

West Ham need to offload players with Guido Rodriguez in particular one whose £75,000 per week salary is an ideal to move out with Saudi clubs and Mexican outfits considering moves.

That would leave a spot for Brownhill should the Irons strike, but it remains to be seen whether or not they will.

Celtic, ironically, were linked with Andy Irving from the Hammers earlier in the summer, too.