Leeds Miss Out as Ex-Burnley Captain Chooses Saudi Move

Much criticism has been aimed at the Leeds United hierarchy for failing to bring in robust, reliable Premier League experience over the summer.

The debate has fuelled speculation over whether the club will make a move in the free-agent market during the international break.

One name who will not be playing at Elland Road is Josh Brownhill.

Brownhill Chooses Saudi Club

The former Burnley captain is set to join Saudi side Al Shabab, linking up with a squad that includes ex-Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco and former Southampton defender Wesley Hoedt.

Brownhill spent five years at Turf Moor, making 211 appearances and earning the captaincy. Following Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, he left upon the expiration of his contract.

According to Football Insider, Leeds were interested in the midfielder and would have been able to sign him past the transfer window. There were reportedly a host of clubs interested in the service of the 29 year-old, such as Wolves, Leicester and Celtic.

The ex-Burnley man is expected to earn around £100,000 a week at the Saudi club. Any figure close to that would have made Brownhill the highest earner at the club, surpassing the likes of Jack Harrison and new signing Noah Okafor.

Brownhill’s status at the club would not have merited that sort of salary, however the inflation of Saudi Arabian salaries is ultimately the biggest factor in the player moving there.

The Premier League and Championship clubs interested would very likely not have afforded him anywhere near those sort of wages – Leeds United included.

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What Could Brownhill Have Brought To Elland Road?

With limited options, Brownhill would have offered Leeds an experienced, budget-friendly presence in midfield, particularly amid absences for key players such as Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka due to lay-offs.

Despite being just three games into the season, injuries have already disrupted The Whites, with Tanaka and Ampadu both sidelined. The Whites are missing a number 10 who can advance into the role of a playmaker. Despite not naturally being an advanced player, Brownhill has switched between attack and defensive roles throughout his career, making him a versatile option for his club.

Last season in the Championship, the midfielder scored 18 goals and had 6 assists. Despite only playing in advanced roles 12 times for Burnley in 2024/25, he scored the majority of his goals when playing as a defensive midfielder.

Leeds may continue to look into the free agency market, as reports suggest that they may be eyeing former Arsenal and Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who recently left Turkish side Besiktas after two years.

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