Brownhill confirms Burnley exit as a free agent
Josh Brownhill scored 18 goals as Burnley won promotion to the Premier League last season, but he will not represent them in the top flight.
Burnley's promotion-winning captain Josh Brownhill has confirmed he is leaving Turf Moor as a free agent, less than three weeks out from their Premier League return.
Brownhill led the Clarets to an immediate return to the top flight last season, scoring 18 goals and supplying six assists in 42 Championship appearances.
Scott Parker's side earned 100 points as runners-up to Leeds United, conceding a mere 16 goals in 46 games, equalling the all-time record for most clean sheets in a Football League campaign, with 30 (also Port Vale in the Third Division North in 1953-54).
Only Chelsea have ever conceded fewer goals in an English league season, shipping 15 in their first Premier League campaign under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05.
Burnley have strengthened their squad ahead of returning to the big time, with former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker among 10 new signings, but Brownhill will not lead them into the 2025-26 campaign.
After seeing his contract expire in June, Brownhill has failed to agree fresh terms with Burnley and will now be free to sign with another club.
Brownhill wrote on X: "After five and a half incredible years at this fantastic club, I've come to the unbelievably difficult decision that now is the right time for me to start the next part of my journey in football.
"My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further and continue to grow as a person and a professional.
"I feel that a new project at this point in my career simply allows me to do that. To all the managers, coaches, staff and teammates I've had the honour of working with, thank you!
"To wear the captain's armband for this club was a real honour, and something I felt privileged to do every day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Burnley will start their Premier League campaign at Tottenham on August 16, having bounced between the first and second tiers in each of the last four seasons.
