Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Caoimhin Kelleher. (Liverpool FC/Getty Images)
After a solid campaign that saw Brentford finish 10th in the Premier League with their second-best-ever points tally of 56, big changes are expected at the Gtech Community Stadium this summer.
Top scorer Bryan Mbeumo, who ended the season with an impressive 20 goals, is widely expected to depart. Both Newcastle United and Manchester United are reported to be interested in securing his services.
His strike partner Yoane Wissa, who netted 19 times across all competitions, is also attracting attention, with Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest said to be monitoring his situation closely.
Speaking after Brentford’s final game of the Premier League season — a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, in which Mbeumo scored — manager Thomas Frank acknowledged the possibility of losing both forwards.
“We’ll decide for ourselves if we want to sell them or not,” Frank told BBC Sport. “But I’ve said many times before that we’re a selling club. If the right bid comes in, we’re open. Of course, I’d like to keep them.”
Midfielder Christian Nørgaard echoed Frank’s sentiment, suggesting at least one exit seems inevitable.
“I think Bryan is likely to go,” Nørgaard said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News. “I don’t know about Wissa yet. Everyone hopes that he might stay. Either way, I’m happy for the season and am happy for both of them. They deserve it so much.”
Brentford Target Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher as Flekken Eyes Exit
Despite the expected departures, Brentford are not just planning for outgoings. Reinforcements are also on the radar — and a new goalkeeper appears high on the list.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Brentford are eyeing a move for Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher, with Mark Flekken closing in on a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Kelleher, 26, has been vocal about his desire to secure first-team football after playing second fiddle to Alisson Becker at Anfield.
“I feel like I’m a number one and I feel like I’m good enough to play week in, week out,” Kelleher told Optus Sport following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
Described as “outstanding” by Steve McManaman, Kelleher is also attracting interest from Chelsea, while Liverpool are reportedly open to offers above £20 million for the Republic of Ireland international.
Given his impressive performances when called upon, that fee could prove to be a bargain.
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