In addition to marking the start of the January transfer window for teams throughout Europe, the New Year also marks the beginning of the process by which teams can negotiate pre-contract agreements with players whose contracts are about to expire.
Players on pre-contract agreements are frequently let go by English teams. When their contracts finally expire, clubs in Europe find a player who has a contract that expires in six months with an English club and agree to join them for nothing.
European clubs undoubtedly have an advantage in the transfer market because English clubs are prohibited from entering into such arrangements with other English clubs. Leeds United might lose out on a player who has been linked to an Elland Road move this season as a result of the judgment.
In the run-up to January, Leeds United has been connected to 19 players so far. However, none have formally moved to West Yorkshire as of yet, and none don’t appear to have any plans to do so very soon.
With Leeds United showing interest, Josh Brownhill has had bids from Europe
Josh Brownhill’s Burnley contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024–2025 season, although it has since been made public that he has had offers from abroad. It was reported back in November that Brownhill was a target for Leeds United.
In 2020, Burnley paid £9 million to acquire Brownhill from Bristol City. He has excelled in the Championship this season, helping the second-place Clarets score nine goals and provide three assists.
However, according to GIVEMESPORT, West Ham of the Premier League is interested in Brownhill, who is “weighing up offers from overseas clubs,” which might “complicate any potential deal” in January.
The 29-year-old Brownhill has made 214 Championship appearances during his career, tallying 32 goals and 22 assists. Along with his 111 Premier League appearances, he has six goals and an equal number of assists.
Josh Brownhill receives a low price tag ahead of January Earlier in the season
commentator Carlton Palmer talked about Brownhill’s circumstances at Turf Moor and his potential value given that his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
Palmer asked, “How much is he worth?” Perhaps £1.5 million to £2 million with his deal. He may be retained by Burnley through the rest of the season. I wouldn’t be shocked if he didn’t actually sign a new contract.
However, if Leeds are still interested in Brownhill, the emergence of European offers and Premier League interest should be extremely concerning, even if they are able to get him for a reduced price.
After a successful time in England, he might be at a decent age to move abroad at 29, where he could thrive for a few years of his peak.
