The 2025/26 season finds Brentford FC firmly entrenched as a Premier League institution, defying pre-season predictions of relegation year after year. Thomas Frank, now in his eighth year at the helm, has cultivated a squad that embodies his tactical philosophy—aggressive pressing, set-piece brilliance, vertical transitions, and an unshakeable collective identity. The Brentford Community Stadium, affectionately known as the Gtech, has become a graveyard for established powers who underestimate the Bees’ tactical sophistication and physical intensity. Unlike many promoted clubs who abandon their principles, Brentford has doubled down on their data-driven recruitment model, unearthing undervalued talent across Europe’s second tiers and converting loanees into permanent assets. This season’s squad reflects continuity with strategic upgrades—experienced heads complement emerging stars, while the famed “Brentford DNA” of work rate, intelligence, and resilience remains omnipresent. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Brentford’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organized by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Mark Flekken
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Alemannia Aachen, MSV Duisburg, Greuther Fürth, Freiburg
Transfer Fee: £11 million (2023)
Mark Flekken has silenced early sceptics to become one of the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeepers, justifying Brentford’s investment following David Raya’s departure. The Dutchman’s distribution—particularly his left-footed drives and clipped passes to advancing wing-backs—suits Frank’s transition-heavy system perfectly. His shot-stopping (72% save percentage in 2024/25) improved dramatically through Premier League exposure; his post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/-) reached +5.2, ranking ninth among league keepers. Flekken’s command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (86% success) and organizing set-piece defenses, matured noticeably. His reflexes in one-on-one situations, rushing off his line to narrow angles, have thwarted countless breakaways. Flekken’s composure under pressure—receiving back-passes with attackers closing down—enables Brentford to play through high presses. Having started 36 Premier League matches in 2024/25, keeping 11 clean sheets, he has proven an astute signing. His contract runs through 2028, with Brentford rejecting January 2025 approaches from Bayern Munich. Flekken’s performance against Manchester City in 2025—making 8 saves, including a spectacular double stop—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Thomas Strakosha
Nationality: Albanian
Former Clubs: Lazio, Lazio Primavera
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Thomas Strakosha has accepted a rotational role following Flekken’s ascent, providing experienced cover and cup competition reliability. The Albanian international’s shot-stopping (69% save percentage in limited appearances) remains solid, though his distribution (82% completion) lags behind Flekken’s. Strakosha’s experience—including 200+ Serie A appearances for Lazio and Europa League knockout football—provides dressing room wisdom. His penalty-saving record (denying 4 of 11 spot kicks faced for Brentford) offers value during shootout scenarios. Strakosha started 12 matches in 2024/25 (cup competitions and injury cover), keeping 5 clean sheets. His relationship with Flekken, competing professionally for the starting spot, maintains high training standards. Strakosha’s contract expires in 2027, with Brentford likely to extend as experienced backup. His performance in the FA Cup fourth round against Liverpool—making 7 saves in a 1-1 draw before losing on penalties—demonstrated enduring quality.
3. Ben Winterbottom
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate
Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy)
Ben Winterbottom has graduated from Brentford’s academy to emergency third-choice option following promising development in youth football. The 23-year-old’s shot-stopping fundamentals—positioning, footwork, handling—are sound, though his distribution requires refinement. His aerial dominance (6’3”) provides security on crosses. Winterbottom made his Brentford debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Gillingham in 2025, keeping a clean sheet and making two routine saves. His contract runs through 2028, with loan moves likely preferred for continued development.
Defenders
1. Nathan Collins
Nationality: Irish
Former Clubs: Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley
Transfer Fee: £23 million (2023)
Nathan Collins has become Brentford’s defensive cornerstone, justifying his club-record fee through consistent excellence and evolving leadership. The Irish international’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.6 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—compensates for occasional positional lapses. His passing from deep (90% completion, 4.8 progressive passes per 90) initiates attacks efficiently, often finding midfielders between lines. Collins’s aerial duel success (79%) against physical Premier League forwards improved through gym work and tactical adjustments. His partnership with Ben Mee (and later his successor) has conceded only 1.08 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons. Collins’s composure under pressure, rarely rushing clearances, enables Brentford to build play methodically. His relationship with Irish teammates (including any future signings) or English-speaking dressing room provides comfort. Collins’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford rejecting multiple approaches. His performance against Arsenal in 2025—nullifying Gabriel Jesus completely, scoring a header from a corner—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Ben Mee
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Manchester City academy, Burnley
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Ben Mee has defied age expectations at 36, remaining Brentford’s defensive leader through tactical intelligence, aerial dominance, and organisational communication. The Englishman’s reading of danger—intercepting passes (2.3 per 90), cutting angles, organising offside traps—compensates for reduced recovery pace. His aerial duel success (84%) remains elite, neutralising physical forwards and providing set-piece security. Mee’s leadership, formalised as vice-captain, manages Brentford’s defensive line through constant communication. His partnership with Collins has developed telepathic understanding; their complementary styles (Collins’s athleticism, Mee’s positioning) create defensive synergy. Mee’s experience, including 300+ Premier League appearances for Burnley, provides invaluable big-game composure. His contract expires in 2026, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Mee’s performance against Chelsea in 2025—organising defensively, making 4 blocks, 7 clearances—demonstrated enduring influence.
3. Aaron Hickey
Nationality: Scottish
Former Clubs: Heart of Midlothian, Bologna
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2022)
Aaron Hickey has evolved from promising talent into one of the Premier League’s most complete right-backs, providing attacking thrust and defensive diligence. The Scottish international’s overlapping runs (3.8 per 90) and underlapping movements create overloads on Brentford’s right flank. His crossing accuracy (37%) and cut-back passes produced 4 assists in 2024/25. Hickey’s defensive work rate—tracking wingers (2.2 tackles per 90), covering cutbacks, pressing opposition—improved through tactical coaching. His versatility across right-back and left-back (his original position at Bologna) offers Frank tactical flexibility. Hickey’s relationship with Scottish teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room provides comfort. His contract runs through 2028, with Brentford rejecting January 2025 approaches from Tottenham. Hickey’s performance against Liverpool in 2025—assisting the winning goal, keeping Luis Díaz quiet—demonstrated his two-way ceiling.
4. Rico Henry
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Walsall
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2016)
Rico Henry’s injury-hit 2023/24 (only 8 appearances) gave way to a full 2024/25 campaign, re-establishing him as one of the Premier League’s most explosive left-backs. The Englishman’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) and recovery pace (35.4 km/h top speed) prevent dangerous transitions. His overlapping runs (4.1 per 90) and whipped crosses (38% accuracy) created 5 assists in 2024/25. Henry’s defensive positioning, particularly against inside-cutting wingers, improved through tactical coaching. His relationship with the club—over 200 appearances, part of the Championship promotion-winning squad (2021)—provides emotional connection fans adore. Henry’s contract runs through 2027, with Brentford viewing him as long-term left-back solution. His performance against Manchester United in 2025—nullifying Antony completely, assisting Bryan Mbeumo’s goal—demonstrated his ceiling when fully fit.
5. Sepp van den Berg
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: PEC Zwolle (loan), Preston North End (loan), Schalke 04 (loan), Mainz 05 (loan)
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2025)
Sepp van den Berg’s summer 2025 arrival from Liverpool, following multiple successful loans, added Dutch technical quality and Premier League readiness to Brentford’s center-back options. The 24-year-old’s ball progression—carrying (2.9 progressive carries per 90) and passing (4.5 progressive passes)—enables Brentford to build play through defensive phases. His aerial duel success (76%) and tackling (2.3 per 90) provide defensive security. Van den Berg’s relationship with Dutch teammates (Flekken, Schade, van de Ven if signed) eased adaptation. His loan at Mainz 05 in 2024/25 (28 Bundesliga appearances, 2 goals) convinced Brentford to invest permanently. Van den Berg’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford viewing him as Mee’s long-term successor. His performance against Aston Villa—playing out of pressure, assisting the opener—demonstrated his unique profile.
6. Mads Roerslev
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Copenhagen
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2020)
Mads Roerslev has accepted a rotational role behind Hickey, providing reliable right-back cover with consistent if unspectacular performances. The Danish international’s defensive discipline—positioning (1.8 interceptions per 90), tackling (2.1 per 90), covering cutbacks—provides security when Brentford protects leads. His overlapping runs (2.6 per 90) and crossing (34% accuracy) offer offensive value, though his attacking output remains limited (1 assist in 2024/25). Roerslev’s versatility across right-back and right wing-back offers Frank tactical options. His relationship with Danish teammates (Jensen, Nørgaard) provides comfort and on-pitch communication. Roerslev’s contract runs through 2027, with Brentford considering extension or sale. His performance against Wolverhampton in 2025—keeping Pedro Neto quiet, completing 89% of passes—demonstrated his reliability.
7. Kim Ji-soo
Nationality: South Korean
Former Clubs: Seongnam FC
Transfer Fee: £500,000 (2025)
Kim Ji-soo’s summer 2025 arrival from Seongnam FC added South Korean youth pedigree and raw potential to Brentford’s defensive depth. The 21-year-old’s athletic profile—6’4”, aerial dominance (79% success in K-League), recovery pace—suits Premier League demands. His passing (85% completion) remains basic; Brentford’s coaching staff are refining his progressive passing. Kim’s relationship with Korean teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room requires adaptation. His contract runs through 2030, with Brentford expecting loan development in 2025/26. His pre-season performance against Benfica—winning 7 duels, looking composed—hinted at potential.
Midfielders
1. Christian Nørgaard (Captain)
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Brøndby, Fiorentina
Transfer Fee: £2.7 million (2019)
Christian Nørgaard has become Brentford’s midfield anchor and captain, embodying the club’s journey from Championship promotion chasers to established Premier League operators. The Dane’s positioning—shielding center-backs, covering full-backs, breaking counterattacks—provides defensive platform for attacking teammates. His interceptions (3.1 per 90) lead Brentford’s midfield, while his tackling (2.8 per 90) provides ball-winning security. Nørgaard’s passing (88% completion, 4.5 progressive passes per 90) initiates attacks efficiently, though his range lacks creativity. His aerial duel success (74%) against physical midfielders adds set-piece security. Nørgaard’s leadership, formalised as club captain in 2023, manages Brentford’s dressing room through calm authority and relentless professionalism. His relationship with Danish teammates (Jensen, Roerslev, Schade) provides comfort and on-pitch communication. Nørgaard’s contract runs through 2028, with Brentford viewing him as long-term midfield cornerstone. His performance against Tottenham in 2025—controlling tempo, making 6 interceptions—demonstrated his influence.
2. Mathias Jensen
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Nordsjælland, Celta Vigo
Transfer Fee: £3.5 million (2019)
Mathias Jensen has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders, providing set-piece excellence and through-ball quality. The Dane’s passing range—cross-field switches (3.5 per 90), disguised through balls, clipped finishes—orchestrates Brentford’s attacking phases; his 0.41 expected assists per 90 ranks among league leaders. Jensen’s set-piece delivery, particularly from right-sided corners and free kicks, created 9 assists in 2024/25. His work rate defensively (2.0 tackles per 90, 1.5 interceptions) and pressing intensity (10.4 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a creative player. Jensen’s relationship with Danish teammates (Nørgaard, Roerslev, Schade) provides comfort and on-pitch understanding. His contract runs through 2028, with Brentford rejecting multiple approaches. Jensen’s performance against Manchester City in 2025—assisting two goals from corners, completing 91% of passes—demonstrated his ceiling.
3. Vitaly Janelt
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: RB Leipzig (youth), VfL Bochum
Transfer Fee: £500,000 (2020)
Vitaly Janelt has become Brentford’s midfield workhorse, providing physicality, tactical discipline, and goal threat from deeper positions. The German’s work rate (11.6 kilometers per match) and tackling (2.9 per 90) set pressing standards. His left-footed passing (87% completion) and ball-carrying (2.3 progressive carries) provide midfield security. Janelt’s goal threat from distance (4 goals in 2024/25, including two from outside the box) adds unexpected scoring dimension. His versatility across defensive midfield and left-back offers Frank emergency cover options. Janelt’s relationship with German speakers (Schade, van den Berg) provides comfort. His contract runs through 2028, with Brentford viewing him as long-term midfield option. Janelt’s performance against Arsenal in 2025—scoring a 25-yard screamer, making 5 tackles—demonstrated his influence.
4. Yehor Yarmoliuk
Nationality: Ukrainian
Former Clubs: Dnipro-1
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2023)
Yehor Yarmoliuk has emerged as a promising midfield option following patient development and loan exposure. The 23-year-old Ukrainian’s passing range (4.8 progressive passes per 90) and ball-carrying (2.7 progressive carries) suit Brentford’s vertical style. His work rate (11.3 kilometers per match) and pressing intensity (10.8 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a young player. Yarmoliuk’s finishing (2 goals in limited minutes, 2024/25) improved through coaching. His relationship with Ukrainian teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room requires adaptation. Yarmoliuk’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford expecting increased contributions in 2025/26. His performance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup—scoring a brace, controlling midfield—demonstrated his potential.
5. Kevin Schade
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Freiburg
Transfer Fee: £22 million (2023)
Kevin Schade’s positional evolution from winger to attacking midfielder unlocked his best form in 2024/25, providing creativity and goal threat from central areas. The German’s acceleration (0-30 km/h in 2.6 seconds) and dribbling (3.7 successful take-ons per 90) destabilize defenses. His finishing (8 goals in 2024/25) and creativity (5 assists) provide balanced attacking output. Schade’s work rate defensively (1.8 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.2 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for an attacking player. His versatility across attacking midfield and both wings offers Frank tactical flexibility. Schade’s relationship with German speakers (Janelt, van den Berg, Frank himself) eased adaptation. His contract runs through 2029, with Brentford viewing him as long-term creative heartbeat. Schade’s performance against West Ham in 2025—scoring a stunning solo goal, assisting another—demonstrated his ceiling.
6. Paris Maghoma
Nationality: English (DR Congo descent)
Former Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur academy
Transfer Fee: £1 million (2025)
Paris Maghoma’s summer 2025 arrival from Tottenham, following productive loan spells, added young English pedigree and technical quality to Brentford’s midfield depth. The 24-year-old’s passing (88% completion in Championship) and ball-carrying (2.5 progressive carries) suggest Premier League readiness. His defensive work rate (2.0 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity improved through loan exposure at MK Dons (2023/24) and Bolton Wanderers (2024/25). Maghoma’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford expecting gradual integration. His pre-season performance against Wolfsburg—assisting two goals, looking composed—hinted at potential.
7. Myles Peart-Harris
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Chelsea academy
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2023)
Myles Peart-Harris has developed into a squad option following patient development and loan at Forest Green Rovers (2023/24). The 23-year-old’s physicality (6’2”, 75kg) and ball-carrying (2.8 progressive carries) provide midfield depth. His passing (86% completion) remains secure but unambitious. Peart-Harris’s contract runs through 2027, with a loan or permanent sale possible in 2026.
Forwards
1. Bryan Mbeumo
Nationality: Cameroonian
Former Clubs: Troyes
Transfer Fee: £5.8 million (2019)
Bryan Mbeumo has stepped from Ivan Toney’s shadow to become Brentford’s primary attacking weapon and penalty taker following the English striker’s 2024 departure. The Cameroonian’s finishing (18 goals in 2024/25, his best Premier League return) and movement off the right shoulder terrorize defenses. His link-up play with wing-backs, particularly cutting inside onto his left foot (4.2 shots per 90 from inside-left channel), creates consistent scoring chances. Mbeumo’s creativity (7 assists in 2024/25) and decision-making in final thirds improved through increased responsibility. His work rate defensively—tracking full-backs (1.9 tackles per 90), pressing—suits Frank’s high-energy system. Mbeumo’s penalty conversion (8/9 in 2024/25) provides reliable scoring from the spot. His relationship with French-speaking teammates (including any signings) aids comfort. Mbeumo’s contract runs through 2028, with Brentford rejecting January 2025 approaches from Arsenal. His hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in 2025—three different finishes—exemplified his evolved finishing.
2. Yoane Wissa
Nationality: Congolese (DRC)
Former Clubs: Lorient, Angers (loan)
Transfer Fee: £8.5 million (2021)
Yoane Wissa has become Brentford’s most reliable goal scorer, providing clinical finishing and intelligent movement from left wing and center-forward positions. The Congolese’s movement off the shoulder (2.9 shots per 90, 0.49 xG per shot) and finishing (25% conversion rate) produced 15 goals in 2024/25, his best Premier League campaign. His link-up play, particularly combinations with Jensen and Schade, created 6 assists. Wissa’s versatility across left wing and center-forward offers Frank tactical options. His work rate defensively—pressing full-backs (1.7 tackles per 90), tracking runners—improved through coaching. Wissa’s relationship with French-speaking teammates provides comfort. His contract runs through 2028, with Brentford rejecting multiple approaches. Wissa’s performance against Chelsea in 2025—scoring a brace, both clinical finishes—demonstrated his efficiency.
3. Igor Thiago
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Cruzeiro, Ludogorets
Transfer Fee: £30 million (2024)
Igor Thiago’s permanent signing in summer 2024, following Brentford’s activation of his release clause, added Brazilian flair and Bulgarian league production to Brentford’s attack. The 24-year-old’s physicality (6’1”, 79kg) and hold-up play (71% success receiving back to goal) provide alternative to Mbeumo’s movement-based game. His finishing (9 goals in 2024/25, his debut Premier League season) and aerial dominance (69% success) justify the investment. Thiago’s link-up play, particularly knockdowns to Schade and Wissa, created 4 assists. His relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room requires continued adaptation. Thiago’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford hopeful of increased contributions in 2025/26. His performance against Everton in 2025—scoring a towering header, holding off defenders—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
4. Keane Lewis-Potter
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Hull City
Transfer Fee: £16 million (2022)
Keane Lewis-Potter’s injury-hit Brentford career (missed 18 matches in 2023/24) gave way to a full 2024/25 campaign, re-establishing him as a dynamic wide option. The Englishman’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and direct running terrorize defenders. His finishing (5 goals in 2024/25) remains inconsistent, but his xG per shot suggests bad luck rather than technical deficiency. Lewis-Potter’s versatility across left wing and right wing offers Frank tactical options. His work rate defensively (1.9 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (10.5 pressures per 90) suit Brentford’s system. His relationship with Hull City connections (including any former teammates) provides comfort. Lewis-Potter’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford expecting continued development. His performance against Brighton in 2025—assisting two goals, completing 6 dribbles—demonstrated his ceiling.
5. Hákon Rafn Haraldsson
Nationality: Icelandic
Former Clubs: Copenhagen
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2024)
Hákon Rafn Haraldsson has emerged as a reliable squad option following his permanent signing from Copenhagen, providing Icelandic work rate and attacking thrust from wide areas. The 23-year-old’s dribbling (2.9 successful take-ons per 90) and crossing (36% accuracy) offer offensive value. His finishing (3 goals in 2024/25) improved through coaching; his composure in final thirds developed significantly. Haraldsson’s defensive work rate (2.1 tackles per 90) and pressing intensity (11.0 pressures per 90) exceed expectations for a winger. His relationship with Scandinavian teammates (Jensen, Nørgaard) provides comfort. Haraldsson’s contract runs through 2029, with Brentford viewing him as long-term rotation option. His performance against Leeds United in the FA Cup—scoring a brace, both from inside the box—demonstrated his potential.
6. Yunus Emre Konak
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: Sivasspor
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2025)
Yunus Emre Konak’s summer 2025 arrival from Sivasspor added Turkish youth pedigree and raw potential to Brentford’s forward options. The 20-year-old’s dribbling (3.2 successful take-ons per 90 in Süper Lig) and acceleration suggest Premier League potential. His finishing (4 goals in 26 Süper Lig appearances) remains raw. Konak’s contract runs through 2030, with Brentford expecting loan development or gradual integration.
Conclusion
Brentford’s 2025/26 squad represents the finest collection of talent assembled in the club’s 136-year history, a testament to Thomas Frank’s coaching excellence, the recruitment team’s data-driven precision, and the ownership’s patient ambition. The defense, anchored by Nathan Collins’s emerging stardom and Ben Mee’s veteran leadership, provides platform for vertical transitions. The midfield, orchestrated by Christian Nørgaard’s positional discipline and Mathias Jensen’s creative passing, controls matches through pressing and possession. The attack, headlined by Bryan Mbeumo’s evolved finishing and Yoane Wissa’s clinical efficiency, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Brentford has maintained their identity despite losing Ivan Toney—adapting, evolving, and arguably improving. The recruitment model continues unearthing value: van den Berg, Kim Ji-soo, and Konak represent future assets while contributing now. The looming challenge involves maintaining consistency across a 38-match season while navigating inevitable Premier League “second season syndrome” (though Brentford is now in their fifth). Yet the Gtech’s intimate atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember Griffin Park’s cramped terraces and League Two struggles, provides emotional fuel. Brentford no longer surprises opponents; they are respected, studied, and still underestimated. This squad appears equipped to deliver the club’s highest Premier League finish yet, potentially challenging for European qualification. The Bees continue to defy football’s financial logic, proving that intelligence, culture, and coaching can compete with spending power. This is Brentford’s Premier League, and they belong here.
