Archie Brown: We Watched Him So You Don’t Have To

Archie Brown penned a deal to join Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce yesterday, becoming the Turkish giant’s latest star through the door in Istanbul.

Welcome to the family, Archie Brown.

Our club has reached an agreement with KAA Gent and the player for the transfer of Archie Brown.

The 23-year-old English left-back has signed a 3+1 year deal, committing himself to our yellow and navy colours.

We welcome Archie Brown to the… pic.twitter.com/HCMDxpYPcU

— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) July 12, 2025

A Journey to the Top Overseas

Brown began his career at Derby County. The Birmingham-born defender spent the majority of his teen years at the Rams’ youth academy. In 2019, he was part of the Derby side that were victorious in the Youth Premier League National final, thrashing Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal 5-2. Two years later, a few months after his 19th birthday, Brown would make the significant decision to leave Derbyshire and England behind, to embark on new ventures abroad.

Archie Brown last night... 🔥

A big hat-trick on the big stage as #DCFCU18s won the #U18PL title! 🎩 pic.twitter.com/2W77XunZQz

— Derby County Academy (@DCFCAcademy) May 8, 2019

Lausanne was the chosen destination, a hilly city situated on the Lake Geneva coast, and home to the historical Swiss side Lausanne-Sport. Brown spent most of his first season in Switzerland playing for Lausanne’s second team, as the club were relegated from the top flight. Switching between left-back and centre-back, Brown would become a key cog in the second tier, helping the Blue and Whites to achieve an instant return to the Swiss Super League.

His performances in the Swiss Challenge League earned him a move 400 miles north to Belgian outfit KAA Gent. In East Flanders, Brown would get his first taste of UEFA action, playing in the Conference League during both his seasons at the club. The Englishman was a first-team regular at Gent, making 87 appearances in under two years. In the last year, he featured against Chelsea and Real Betis, drawing the attention of teams from all over Europe, including the Premier League.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Manchester United have added left-back Archie Brown to their list of targets this summer. INEOS signed Brown for FC Lausanne in 2021. #MUFC [@GraemeBailey] pic.twitter.com/4UlYzSH0T4

— UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) July 25, 2024

On Saturday, his £7.8 million move to Fenerbahce was sealed, beginning a new chapter in Brown’s journey.

Playstyle, Strengths, and Weaknesses

One of Brown’s biggest strengths is his flexibility position-wise. Throughout his career, he has played at left-back, as well as centre half and left midfield in back-three formations. Standing at six feet three, he exceeds the height of most fellow wing/full backs. Quick enough to tear up the left flank, and still fill in at centre-back.

Statistically, in the 2024/25 Belgian Pro League, Brown ranked second for progressive carries (112 total, 4.41 per 90) and averaged 2.01 aerial duels won per 90. The 23-year-old has outstanding ball-carrying capabilities, progressing the ball 265.92 metres on average in 2024/25.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Archie Brown (Gent, 22)

🎖️ 96th percentile for progressive carries
🎖️ 88th percentile for aerial duels won %
🎖️ 83rd percentile for crosses completed

⚫️🔴

📊 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/oXruXHujeT

— DataMB (@DataMB_) July 11, 2025

Brown is a dynamic player with an abundance of pace, despite his height. He is constantly looking to move the ball forward with his powerful presence, brushing opponents aside before looking for a cross. His passing is a main focus for improvement. Brown had a long pass completion rate of 50.6% in 2024/25 and a short pass completion rate of 78.1%. He also ranked in the 52nd percentile for passes completed per game, a below-average total.

The player was also a low performer in defensive areas, making just 1.46 tackles, 1.38 clearances, and 1.10 interceptions per 90. Brown evidently enjoys the ball in possession and can cover ground with ease. Yet when it comes to delivering the ball and helping out at the back, more work needs to be done, a reason why he has often been played further up the pitch.

Fenerbahce Deal, Rumours, and Future Prospects

Under Mourinho’s watch, Brown has the chance to become a well-rounded and diverse talent all over the pitch. The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Fenerbahce; however, AC Milan almost hijacked the deal at the last minute as they look to replace Theo Hernandez.

Brown was impressed by the owner’s vision at Fenerbahce, and will likely be amongst the 28-time Turkish champions starting eleven. His new move sees him join his third club overseas. We are yet to see the defender play senior football in England, but that almost changed earlier this year with links to Leeds United.

Fenerbahçe have a shot at Champions League qualification next month, and are gunning for their first Super Lig title since 2013/14, with Jhon Duran another summer addition to their squad. Brown’s transfer to Turkey is another step on his career ladder, which could eventually lead to anything from England national team call-ups to a Premier League move. Watch this space.

All statistics taken from fbref.com