In a stunning twist that could send shockwaves through the Championship, Ipswich Town are eyeing a jaw-dropping free transfer move for Burnley’s midfield general and captain, Josh Brownhill — and football pundit Don Goodman has not held back on how scandalous it would be if Burnley let this happen.
According to trusted journalist Alan Nixon, who revealed this exclusive on his Patreon, Brownhill is currently weighing up his options as Burnley scramble to secure his signature with fresh contract terms. But with the player yet to put pen to paper and keen on a lucrative payday in what could be his final major deal, the door has swung open for Ipswich Town to pounce — and they’re circling like hawks.
Brownhill, who has been a mainstay in the Burnley midfield since arriving for £9 million from Bristol City back in January 2020, enjoyed a sensational season in 2023/24. Bagging an incredible 18 goals in 42 Championship matches — more than doubling his previous best of seven — the midfielder didn’t just elevate his game, he commanded it. Add to that his leadership qualities and irreplaceable presence on the pitch, and it becomes crystal clear why Burnley fans and insiders alike would be stunned to see him walk away for nothing.
Enter Don Goodman, Sky Sports pundit and respected voice in football media, who did not mince words when asked about the swirling speculation linking Brownhill with a shock move to Portman Road. Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman admitted he couldn’t believe Burnley would even consider letting their captain leave.
“What a season Josh Brownhill has just had last season,” Goodman marveled. “18 goals in 42 Championship games – his best goalscoring season before that was seven. It’s not just the goals with him; he’s a leader, a motivator, and a top, top player at Burnley. So, I would be absolutely shocked if Burnley either can’t or don’t find a way of offering Josh Brownhill a deal that would keep him there.”
Goodman also acknowledged Ipswich’s keen interest, saying, “If you’re Ipswich Town, I completely understand why you would want to sign Josh Brownhill. But if Burnley don’t keep him at the football club, that would not be a good look on them.”
And he’s right. This isn’t just any player. Brownhill is the embodiment of Burnley’s recent success — a captain who’s helped guide the club back to the Premier League twice, and one of the smartest transfers made under the club’s recent regime. Letting him leave without a transfer fee, especially to a rival hungry for promotion, would be a blunder of monumental proportions.
If Burnley fail to convince their midfield maestro to extend his stay, it would mark an anticlimactic and baffling end to what has been a legendary Turf Moor tenure. Having spent over five years anchoring the club’s ambitions, lifting them to new heights, and inspiring teammates with his relentless drive and passion, Brownhill deserves a fitting farewell — not a quiet exit as a free agent, potentially strengthening a rival in the process.
The murmurs around Portman Road are only growing louder, and with Ipswich Town back in the Championship mix and determined to make their mark, snatching a player like Brownhill could be the game-changing statement they need.
For Burnley, however, this is more than a contract negotiation — it’s a test of ambition, loyalty, and whether they still value the very heartbeat of their team.
