(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Sun 3 August 2025 14:24, UK

West Ham are leading Celtic in the race to sign former Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill on a free transfer this summer.

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Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 29-year-old’s future after his departure from Burnley last month.

Graham Potter’s side are confident of landing the midfielder and believe their financial muscle and ability to offer higher wages puts them in pole position.

However, Football Insider revealed on 2 August that Celtic want to sign Brownhill and hope Champions League football can give them the edge over their rivals.

Alongside both West Ham and Celtic, a number of European and MLS sides are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation with a move in mind.

This comes after former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in June that the Hammers are confident of signing Brownhill despite rival interest.

Josh Brownhill is a target for West Ham and Celtic.

(Credit: Imago)

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Football Insider exclusively revealed on 5 May that West Ham are pushing to sign Brownhill, but have faced competition from David Moyes’ Everton.

The former Burnley captain scored 18 goals and provided six assists across 42 Championship games this season and started all but two of the games for which he was available.

O’Rourke explained that his signing would be a coup for whichever club can pull it off, but the Hammers current have the edge given their financial might.

“It will be a tough race to sign Josh Brownhill,” he told Football Insider.

“He’s a top midfielder, scored 18 goals last season to help Burnley win promotion to the Premier League.

“If West Ham come in for Josh Brownhill, Celtic aren’t going to be able to match the offer financially.

West Ham are better placed for a deal.

“These Premier League clubs have far more money than the biggest Scottish clubs.

“Celtic will be hoping the allure of Champions League football can give them the edge, but there will be fierce competition for that free transfer.

“He’s one of the better free transfers available at the moment, with his experience of the Premier League and he’s a goalscoring midfielder who most teams would love.

“West Ham are interested, and I think there’s interest from abroad and also MLS clubs having a look at Josh Brownhill as well.

“If Celtic are looking to build on the progress they made in the Champions League last season, he would be a very smart addition to Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“But there is a lot of competition for him as a free agent which could make it difficult for Celtic.”

Graham Potter is determined to strengthen his squad this summer.

(Credit: Imago)

Alongside their ambitions of signing Brownhill, West Ham have also set their sights on a deal to sign Liverpool star Harvey Elliott this summer.

Brown told Football Insider on 31 July that West Ham are interested in signing Elliott and plan to push ahead with their interest in the final month of the window.

Potter is believed to be a big fan of the midfielder and wants to beat rivals clubs to his signature despite the growing interest in a permanent move.

Brown told Football Insider on 15 July that Newcastle and Tottenham want to sign Elliott alongside the likes of Brighton, Wolves and multiple Bundesliga clubs.

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