Brentford enter the new Premier League campaign looking to maintain the steady rise that has defined their five years in the top flight, even after a bittersweet conclusion to last term. The west London club finished ninth in 2024-25, agonisingly missing out on European qualification on the final day when a draw at Anfield, combined with results elsewhere, left them just short on goal difference of a Europa League spot. A late headed miss from Dango Ouattara in that Liverpool game will linger as a symbol of what might have been.
Despite the near miss, there is a sense that avoiding continental competition could actually benefit a squad still finding its feet under head coach Keith Andrews, who impressed in his first season in charge following the departure of Thomas Frank. Managing a congested fixture list without European football may allow Brentford to focus fully on Premier League consistency, something that has become a hallmark of their approach since promotion.
One notable departure is captain and leader Jordan Henderson, who has moved to Chelsea. While his on-field contribution had already diminished — he started 22 league matches last season as younger midfielders were increasingly favoured — his experience and leadership in the dressing room will be missed. To help fill the void, Brentford made a club-record signing in Mamadou Sangaré from Lens, a player who was named in Ligue 1's team of the season after helping his side push Paris Saint-Germain closely in the title race. Data from last season showed only Newcastle's Elliot Anderson and Bayer Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios averaged more possession regains among players in Europe's top five leagues, a statistic that fits neatly with Brentford's high-pressing identity.
"He adds qualities that we don't have," Andrews said of the £35m arrival, underlining how the club hopes Sangaré can offer a different profile to the departed Henderson and Christian Nørgaard, who left the previous summer.
Up front, Igor Thiago remains a key figure after a breakout campaign that earned him a World Cup call-up with Brazil, though his form dipped notably at the business end of last season — he scored just once in his final six Premier League appearances. To provide additional support and competition, Brentford brought in experienced forward Callum Wilson on a free transfer, along with winger Jaidon Anthony from Burnley.
Set-piece efficiency remains an area for improvement. Brentford scored only 10 goals from set plays last season, tied for their lowest tally in a Premier League campaign, despite depending heavily on corners, free-kicks and throw-ins to generate attempts on goal. Sharpening their output in open play, or becoming more clinical when given set-piece opportunities, is likely to be a priority.
Andrews, who built his coaching reputation partly around set-piece expertise before stepping into management, has been measured about the club's transfer approach this summer, emphasising cultural fit as much as ability. "We won't sign players unless we feel they'll fit into the fabric of the club and the culture and values that we have as a group of people working together on a daily basis," he said while overseeing pre-season training in Portugal.
Off the pitch, the club continues to diversify its finances following a £21m loss recorded in the last set of accounts under Frank's tenure. New commercial ventures, including proposed live music events at the Gtech Community Stadium and a renewed sponsorship arrangement with Cazoo, reflect efforts to strengthen revenue streams. Ownership has also evolved, with investment banker Prakash Melwani and music executive Sir Lucian Grainge joining as minority shareholders, adding to a boardroom that already includes Gary Lubner and Sir Matthew Vaughn alongside long-time owner Matthew Benham.
With continuity as a guiding principle, Brentford will hope this season delivers another step forward, even if it comes without the pressure — or reward — of European football.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.