Sunderland wiped out a lot of deadwood from their team ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, and Alan Browne was expected to be among them.

The midfielder has been surplus to needs since the Black Cats’ ascent to the Premier League, and he spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough.

Preston North End, the 31-year-old’s former club, and Blackburn Rovers were both connected with the Irishman during the summer transfer window, and it appeared he may return to Deepdale before it closed.

However, a transaction was never completed, and while many have wondered why, the reasons have finally been exposed.

Why Alan Browne’s transfer from Sunderland to Preston North End did not happen

Browne had a role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, but like those who helped the club get there, he has found himself unused at the Stadium of Light.

The midfielder’s last appearance for the Wearsiders was in the first leg of the 2024/25 Championship play-off semi-final against Coventry City, where he played for one minute.

Regis Le Bris appeared to indicate that Browne would be permitted to leave the club if the proper alternative became available before deadline day, therefore it was surprising that he stayed in the North East.

Browne failed to finalise a return to Preston because he wanted a three-year contract, according to Alan Nixon.

According to Nixon, North End pursued the Republic of Ireland international throughout the transfer window, but the Black Cats only made a move to let him go in the final days.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old was offered a two-year agreement at Deepdale, but despite the big salary, he preferred a lengthier term.

Why Preston could be looking to sign Browne in January.

Browne has not been in either of Sunderland’s Premier League matchday squads this season and will only do so if there are multiple injuries in central midfield.

Moreover, the Irishman was not named in Le Bris’ Europa League squad, which included Chris Rigg and new acquisition Jules Ahoka.

The 31-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2027, so his departure is near; however, clubs may try to sign Browne in January, when he is next available.

Obviously, the sticking issue looks to be contract length, and if the player is prepared to settle for a year, Preston may be interested in doing business.

Given his age, the midfielder may struggle to achieve what he wants, especially since he turns 32 in April; this could be an ideal opportunity to sign him to a shorter term.

What would Alan Browne offer in the Championship?

Browne has been a consistent player in the Championship for some time, and his performances at Middlesbrough show he still has more to give.

Last season, the midfielder made 42 appearances in all competitions, including three in the play-offs as Borough narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

Despite being a more defensive-minded centre midfielder, he posed a substantial danger in attacking areas, ranking in the top 5% of Championship defensive midfielders in terms of anticipated goals (xG), non-penalty xG, and headed shots, according to Fotmob.

Alan Browne’s 2025/26 Championship Statistics for Middlesbrough

Appearances

38

Goals

4

Assists

3

Expected goals (xG) are equal to non-penalty xG.

5.66

Headed shots

7

Touches in the opposition box.

89

Source: Fotmob.

His four goals and three assists in the second division were reminiscent of his time at Preston, when he was a reliable goal scorer as well as a solid all-around central midfielder.

With Paul Heckingbottom’s side wallowing at the bottom of the table, the January window appears to be vital, and signing a player of Browne’s calibre and experience is essential.