West Ham, Coventry and Wolves gifted green light to sign promotion-winning captain

It’s not been the routine start to Championship football that West Ham United had been hoping for. Many around the EFL were expecting the Hammers to walk England’s second tier and complete an instant return to the Premier League. That walk, however, has been more of a limp.

A collapse against Burnley on the opening day set the tone, as the fellow class droppers rescued a point from two goals down. Then, it was Charlton Athletic’s turn to inflict pain, sealing a shock 2-1 victory, although the demolition of Southampton in mid-week will have lifted Nuno Espírito Santo’s spirits.

It’s sent West Ham back to the drawing board and back to the transfer market, and they could now land a shock late move for ex-Clarets midfielder Josh Brownhill.

Interest from West Ham has arrived as a direct response to Southampton’s move for James Ward-Prowse. As things stand, the midfielder is expected to seal a return to his former club before the transfer window slams shut.

Brownhill wouldn’t be a bad replacement by any means. Whilst he has slipped off the radar since joining Saudi club Al-Shabab, it’s worth remembering that he knows all about Championship promotion.

The 30-year-old was promoted twice during his time at Burnley, captaining the side during their last promotion in the 2024/25 campaign before leaving for Saudi Arabia last September.

Brownhill has enjoyed a starting place ever since at Al-Shabab and that’s why their transfer stance comes as quite the shock this late on in the window. Even after starting all four games so far this season, the midfielder may well be heading for the exit door – leaving West Ham to take full advantage.

West Ham on red alert in Brownhill race

REUTERS/Craig Brough

As reported by TeamTalk, West Ham have now joined the race to sign Brownhill with Al-Shabab ready to grant the midfielder’s exit in an attempt to balance their spending. The Saudi Pro League side have already got the Englishman’s replacement in the form of Thomas Partey and he’s now seen as one of their most sellable assets.

It’s put the Hammers on red alert, but they’re not the only side in the race. Alongside the London club, Wrexham, Southampton, Wolves, Hull City, Coventry and Birmingham City make up a huge seven-team race for the midfielder’s signature, and Al-Shabab aren’t exactly in a weak negotiating position given they are owned by the Saudi Ministry of Sport, valued well over £6bn.

With just days remaining in the transfer window, it means that West Ham will have to act quickly if they are to secure Brownhill’s signature. After a stuttered start to their Championship campaign, they could certainly do with the addition of his experience.

As for the 30-year-old, all signs are pointing towards a return to English football just one year since he left Burnley for the riches of the Saudi Pro League. Whether that ends in another promotion for his CV is the big question with Championship clubs circling.