According to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon, Preston North End are interested in bringing Alan Browne back. Blackburn Rovers have also been linked with a move, creating competition for his signature. Browne is under contract at Sunderland until June 2027. He is no longer favored by the club in the Premier League and is considered not needed, with most signs indicating a permanent exit. His chances of getting any game time in the top flight are very low. Browne will not be going back to Middlesbrough, which has created an opportunity for clubs like Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers.

Preston North End are asking Sunderland about taking back their former captain Alan Browne. Having been loaned out to Middlesbrough during the 2025/26 campaign where he performed well, Browne will likely be loaned out again or sold by Sunderland before September because the club will be competing in Europe this season. Middlesbrough are not interested, but according to the Lancashire Telegraph, Preston's local rivals Blackburn Rovers are interested.

Irish midfielder Alan Browne, aged 31, has one year remaining on his contract and is expected to depart Sunderland permanently. FLW’s Preston Fan Pundit, Darren Watson, believes the former captain would be a good signing for Preston North End again. Watson stated that he would personally seek to bring the player back. Watson also noted that Browne has experience of a promotion and a play-off final and is wanted by several other clubs. The reason for Browne's original departure from Preston was a fallout with former manager Ryan Lowe. During the 2025/2026 season, the midfielder was on loan at Middlesbrough, where he made 38 Championship appearances, scored 4 goals, and provided 3 assists. Browne is a full international for Ireland with 39 caps and 5 goals, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €2.00m. Among the clubs recently linked with him are Derby County and Middlesbrough.