Josh Brownhill

Joshua Brownhill (born 19 December 1995) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab. He is most known for his time at Burnley and has previously played for Preston North End, Barnsley and Bristol City.

Early and personal life Brownhill was born in Warrington, Cheshire and attended Birchwood Community High School.

In December 2024, rumours circulated that Brownhill was eligible to play for Malaysia at international level. This caused a frenzy on social media, resulting in Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail messaging Brownhill about the situation. However, Brownhill denied these rumours in an Instagram post, stating that his only nationality was English.

Career Preston North End A former Manchester United schoolboy player, Brownhill joined the Preston North End youth team at the start of the 2012–13 season. He made his first team debut on 8 October 2013, as a late substitute in a Football League Trophy defeat against Oldham Athletic.

Brownhill scored the winning goal in his first League One start against Gillingham on 19 October 2013, and drew praise from manager Simon Grayson for his overall performance. He went on to notch an additional two goals in 2013 against Crawley Town and Carlisle United. The goal against Carlisle won the club's Goal of 2013 Award, after a 13 pass move in which every outfield player touched the ball at least once.

On 14 January 2016, Brownhill joined League One club Barnsley on an initial month-long loan deal, and went straight into the starting line-up for Barnsley's next game against Shrewsbury Town. On 1 February 2016 Brownhill's loan was extended to the end of the season. He scored his first goal for Barnsley in a 3–1 win over Walsall on 5 March 2016.

Bristol City

On 2 June 2016, it was announced that Brownhill would join Bristol City on a two-year deal upon his contract expiry at Preston North End.

On 29 April 2017 Brownhill scored his first goal for Bristol City against Brighton & Hove Albion, beating them 1–0 away from home and securing City's place in the Championship for the 2017–18 season.

On 5 January 2019, Brownhill scored the only goal as Bristol City won 1–0 to upset Premier League side Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round.

Burnley

Brownhill signed for Premier League club Burnley on 30 January 2020 for an undisclosed fee. On 22 February 2020, Brownhill made his debut for the club in a 3–0 victory at home to Bournemouth, coming on as a stoppage time substitute for Jack Cork. He scored his first Premier League goal and his first goal for Burnley against Brighton on 19 February 2022. On 21 May 2024, the club said it had activated a contract extension.

Brownhill captained the side for the first time against Watford on 12 August 2022, before being confirmed as club captain in August 2024. On 21 April 2025, he netted a brace in a 2–1 victory over Sheffield United, ensuring his team's promotion to the Premier League. Having finished the season in impressive form, he was named EFL Championship Player of the Month for April 2025.

On 20 May 2025, Burnley announced they were discussing a new contract with the player, but on 28 July 2025, Brownhill announced his departure from the club.

Al Shabab On 11 September 2025, Brownhill joined Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2013–14 League One

2014–15 League One

2015–16 Championship

45!!5!!9!!0!!4!!1!!6!!0!!64!!6 Barnsley (loan)

2016–17 Championship

2017–18 Championship

2018–19 Championship

2019–20 Championship

2019–20 Premier League

2021–22 Premier League

2022–23 Championship

2023–24 Premier League

2024–25 Championship

2026–27 Football League Trophy: 2015–16

Burnley EFL Championship: 2022–23

Individual EFL Championship Team of the Season: 2022–23 PFA Team of the Year: 2022–23 Championship, 2024–25 Championship EFL Championship Player of the Month: April 2025