Wolves Handed Major Boost in Pursuit of ‘Incredible’ Josh Brownhill as Burnley Plan for His Exit

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a potential lifeline in their long-standing pursuit of Burnley captain Josh Brownhill. The experienced midfielder could soon become a free agent, with reports suggesting his current club are preparing for life without him—an opportunity Wolves must seriously consider seizing this summer.

After a turbulent Premier League season that saw Wolves flirt with relegation before finding stability under Vitor Pereira, the focus at Molineux is now firmly on building a squad capable of progression rather than mere survival. Pereira took over midway through the campaign and managed to transform the team’s fortunes, guiding them to safety with a composed, structured brand of football. His impressive rescue mission earned him a Premier League Manager of the Season nomination, and now supporters are hopeful he will be backed properly in the transfer market.

Two key players—Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia—have already departed the club, and replacements are essential if Wolves are to avoid a backward step. Fortunately, Wolves’ ownership group Fosun has developed a reputation for securing value-for-money deals, and the possible acquisition of Brownhill could represent exactly that: quality for free.

Brownhill on Wolves’ Radar Again Amid Contract Uncertainty

Josh Brownhill, Burnley’s influential captain, has been linked with a move to Molineux in the past. His name resurfaced again in January as a late-window target, and now, with his contract set to expire this summer, Wolves may finally get the chance to land the midfielder without needing to pay a transfer fee.

Brownhill was instrumental in Burnley’s Championship promotion campaign during the 2024/25 season. He made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and registering six assists—an outstanding return for a central midfielder. His efforts helped propel Burnley to a 100-point season, remaining unbeaten at home and earning promotion back to the Premier League. His performances earned him a deserved place in the Championship Team of the Season.

Despite his success, Burnley have yet to agree to new terms with the 28-year-old, and according to journalist Alan Nixon, the club is bracing itself for his departure. Nixon reports via his Patreon page that Burnley are already exploring alternatives and have set their sights on Rennes and Wales midfielder Jordan James, who could cost around £12 million.

This move suggests the Clarets are preparing for life after Brownhill, which could signal a massive opportunity for Wolves—especially given their desire to reinforce their midfield options.

Why Wolves Must Act Swiftly to Secure Brownhill

Josh Brownhill offers the kind of reliability, leadership, and versatility that Wolves currently lack in midfield. While Joao Gomes and Boubacar Traoré have been key players, Pereira could benefit from another experienced Premier League-caliber option who can fill multiple roles. Brownhill fits the bill perfectly.

The former Bristol City midfielder is known not just for his work rate and ability to score important goals, but also for his leadership both on and off the pitch. At Burnley, he has grown into the captain’s armband and led by example—qualities that Pereira highly values in his players.

Former Bournemouth and Fulham boss Scott Parker, who worked as a pundit during Burnley’s promotion campaign, was full of praise for Brownhill’s impact. Speaking to Burnley’s club media, he described him as the “driving force” behind their promotion success:

“When you go a goal down and need to get one back, it was Browny that scored.
When you need a goal to put a little bit of calmness into us, it’s Browny that scores.
He’s been incredible, has led from the front and has been the driving force.
Everyone sees what he is when he enters the football field, but he’s an incredible human and an incredible professional that has given us everything this year too.”

This kind of consistent performance and professionalism is exactly what Wolves need in their bid to push higher up the Premier League table next season.

A Long-Term Target Who Now Looks More Attainable

Wolves have had a long-standing interest in Brownhill, dating back to previous transfer windows. However, Burnley’s strong position—either due to Premier League status or long-term contracts—had always made a deal difficult to negotiate. Now, the landscape has changed.

With Burnley fearing the loss of their captain and actively searching for his replacement, Wolves may be able to finally get their man without spending a penny on transfer fees. For a club like Wolves, who have had to manage their finances carefully in recent seasons, this could be a dream scenario.

Moreover, the timing couldn’t be better. Wolves need reinforcements in the middle of the park, especially with questions surrounding the future of some current squad members and the departure of others. Brownhill would provide instant Premier League experience and would be ready to make an impact from day one.

Competition Likely—but Wolves Have an Advantage

It’s worth noting that Wolves are unlikely to be the only club eyeing Brownhill, especially if he officially becomes a free agent. A player of his pedigree—proven in both the Premier League and Championship—will attract interest from across the division. However, Wolves can offer him something many other clubs might not: a central role in a team on the rise, under a respected and ambitious manager in Vitor Pereira.

Pereira’s growing reputation, along with the Portuguese coach’s ability to improve players, could be a decisive factor. Additionally, Wolves’ solid Premier League status and desire to build a more competitive squad might appeal to Brownhill, who will no doubt want to continue testing himself at the top level after helping Burnley bounce back up.

Final Thoughts

Josh Brownhill could be one of the smartest signings Wolves make this summer. His leadership, work ethic, and ability to perform in crucial moments make him an ideal addition to a team that is being rebuilt with a clear purpose. With Burnley’s stance seemingly shifting and his contract running down, Wolves must now act decisively.

Landing a player of Brownhill’s quality without a transfer fee would be a statement of intent and show that Wolves are serious about challenging further up the Premier League table next season. It’s a low-risk, high-reward opportunity that the club simply can’t afford to pass up.