Why Josh Brownhill could be a smashing signing for Brighton
According to Bristol Live, Brighton and Hove Albion are keeping close tabs on Bristol City midfielder Josh Brownhill, who has been in terrific form for the Robins in the Championship this term.
The 23-year-old has been one of Bristol City’s standout performers for a number of seasons and his impressive emergence has put a number of top-flight clubs on red alert.
Leicester City had been credited with an interest in the energetic box-to-box ace a year ago while newly-promoted Sheffield United were also among his list of admirers in the summer (h/t Bristol Live).
Brownhill, however, has made it clear that his primary focus is to guide the Robins to top-flight promotion this season (h/t Bristol Live).
However, with the 23-year-old’s contract at Ashton Gate set to expire in 2021, it will be interesting to see if Bristol City can retain him.
Having narrowly missed out on a playoff spot the last term, the Robins have once again made a strong start to their campaign in the Championship this time around under the stewardship of Lee Johnson.
Currently placed 6th in the standings, just five points behind pace-setters West Brom, Josh Brownhill has been one of the cornerstones of the club’s early-season success.
Brownhill, who has started each of the Robins’ first 16 games in the Championship this term, already boasts of an envious tally of 3 goals and an assist so far, including a couple of match-winning performances in victories over Charlton Atheltic and Cardiff City in recent weeks.
As per whoscored, the former Preston North End and Man United star has averaged 49.6 passes per game at an accuracy rate of 77.8%, including 2.5 successful long balls, 1.8 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 aerial duels, 1 key pass and 1.9 clearances per game in the Championship this season, figures which are a clearly testament to his attributes as a box-to-box midfielder.
To put things into perspective, Josh Brownhill definitely seems capable of making the step up to the Premier League, following his resounding success at Bristol City in the Championship. Brighton would bag a massive coup if they manage to get their hands on the coveted midfielder.
With Graham Potter taking over the reins from Chris Hughton at the Amex Stadium in the summer, the Seagulls completed a double raid on the Championship for Neal Maupay and Adam Webster, while Matt Clarke also came through the door from League One outfit Portsmouth.
To that end, signing the dynamic Josh Brownhill would be a move in the right direction.
Potter has showcased his proficiency in extracting the best out of up and coming players, as evident from the rise of young prospects like Steven Alzate and Aaron Connolly in the first-team.
Although Pascal Gross and Davy Propper have adapted seamlessly to Potter’s philosophy, Dale Stephens is on the wrong side of 30 and will be out of contract in 2021.
Verdict
Yves Bissouma is struggling to establish himself in a substantial role under the new manager and Huddersfield loanee Aaron Mooy’s future is still up in the air. Thus, the Seagulls have every reason to look at Josh Brownhill as a good long-term investment.
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With that in mind, the Seagulls should leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the Bristol City star, as this looks like a move that could pay off handsomely for Potter in the years to come.