Many Preston fans will remember Tyias Browning’s loan spell at Deepdale in 2017.
With Simon Grayson needing defensive cover both centrally and at right back, he landed Browning on loan from Everton.
Having shown promise in the Premier League, fans were excited about the move – but it didn’t really go to plan. Browning made eight appearances for North End during his loan spell, and never really looked comfortable as a right back.
Some may recall Christian Atsu terrorising him in a heavy defeat at Newcastle United, after the defender had been out for six weeks. Fans slammed that display, and it was no surprise when North End didn’t bring him back when his loan expired.
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It was however a surprise when Grayson moved on to Sunderland and took Browning with him, securing a season-long loan deal. Browning featured regularly in the relegated Sunderland side before returning to Everton, where he has been playing in the reserves.
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Browning’s contract was set to expire this summer, but he has made a huge move today. Browning has joined Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande on a permanent basis, though no contract terms have been announced.
Before finishing second in the 2018 season, Guangzhou had won seven league titles in a row. They now seemingly feel that Browning can help them reclaim top spot, alongside Paulinho and Anderson Talisca.
The move may seem completely out of left-field, but Browning does have ties to China. Browning’s grandfather is Chinese, and Guangzhou’s move looks clever in that regard.
As reported by BBC Sport, Chinese Super League teams will only be allowed three non-Chinese players this season. Guangzhou have Paulinho, Talisca and new signing Park Ji-soo, with Browning seemingly qualifying as a homegrown player through his grandfather.
Browning may even be able to switch his international allegiance to China, making this move even more appealing to the 24-year-old. Add in the huge money and playing under Fabio Cannavaro, and it’s not hard to see why he’s gone.