Predicted position by Guardian writers: 17th (Note: this reflects the average of our writers’ tips and not necessarily Uzzi Majid’s prediction)
Position from last season: 16th
Future Prospects
Following a tough campaign in 2023-24, avoiding the title of worst Premier League team in London would be a relief for Brentford fans, especially since they were the third-best team in the capital just a season ago. The ongoing saga surrounding Ivan Toney has cast a long shadow over the summer, and recent developments may have turned the tide. Igor Thiago, brought in as Toney’s successor, will now be sidelined until year-end due to a meniscus injury sustained in the recent 4-2 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
This scenario poses a significant challenge for Brentford, potentially preventing them from cashing in on Toney regardless of how appealing the offers may be. The 28-year-old has expressed a strong desire to exit, and with his contract nearing its conclusion, he may be inclined to see it out if a major transfer doesn’t materialize this window. If Toney remains, it would likely quash Brentford’s chances of receiving a transfer fee for a player they acquired for £10m in August 2020.
Whether or not Toney stays, Thomas Frank will be eager for a strong start against Crystal Palace, a team they have yet to conquer in the Premier League. A follow-up home match against Southampton at the end of August could be pivotal, especially considering their challenging away schedule that features fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Manchester United from late August to mid-October. Securing maximum points against Palace and Southampton will be crucial in reclaiming the Gtech as a stronghold and steering clear of relegation threats.
After losing out to Spurs in the race for Archie Gray from Leeds, Brentford still needs to bolster their squad. Achieving survival, potentially paired with a cup run, would represent a successful season.
Coaching Overview
Frank, known for his captivating press conference presence and insightful punditry during Euro 2024, embarks on his sixth complete season at the helm. Appointed in October 2018, the 50-year-old holds the title of the fourth-longest-serving manager in the top four tiers of English football, trailing only Harrogate’s Simon Weaver, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, and Coventry’s Mark Robins. After navigating one of the roughest stretches of his tenure with the Bees last season, he aims to strengthen his squad’s defensive capabilities, which proved vulnerable throughout the previous campaign.
Ownership Landscape
This summer marked Matthew Benham’s 12th year as Brentford’s owner. In February, he disclosed the club’s valuation at £400m, expressing willingness to entertain offers for a stake in the club, yet discussions regarding ownership have since cooled. Brentford’s position as the financially smallest Premier League club in London was underscored by a May Forbes report, which estimated Fulham and Crystal Palace at $790m (£619m) and $780m, respectively.
Emerging Talent
Yehor Yarmoliuk was one of two players included in every league matchday squad last season and stood out among Brentford’s few bright spots during a challenging campaign. Another promising player making waves in pre-season is South Korean defender Kim Ji-soo. After signing from Seongnam FC last year, he made a strong impression with the B Team under Neil MacFarlane and was elevated to the first-team squad in June. Following this promotion, the 19-year-old expressed gratitude to MacFarlane, noting the coach’s warm reception when he arrived in England as an 18-year-old. The anticipation for his Premier League debut continues to build.
Key Player
Bryan Mbeumo had an explosive start to last season, netting seven goals in his first 15 league appearances. However, after sustaining an ankle injury in a December defeat to Brighton, which kept him out for 13 league matches, Brentford struggled, winning only three in his absence. Upon Mbeumo’s return, the team demonstrated greater attacking cohesion. The Cameroon international not only contributes significantly to the score sheet but also excels in work ethic and creativity, providing vital support to his teammates. Speculation of a transfer to Liverpool had surfaced but seems far-fetched now.
Summer Activities
Brentford had significant representation at the Euros, with seven players, including four from Denmark, participating in the tournament in Germany. Among the goalkeepers, Thomas Strakosha (now with AEK Athens) played all three matches for Albania, but Mark Flekken, Brentford’s first choice, didn’t feature in the Netherlands’ matches. Ivan Toney made contributions to the England side, with standout moments including assisting Harry Kane’s winner against Slovakia and converting a penalty against Switzerland.
