As the previous Premier League season drew to a close, it brought an end to an admirable fight for a European spot from the likes of AFC Bournemouth and Brentford.
The performances from these clubs, however, have attracted interest in many members of their respective squads this summer, and both teams are set to undergo change, but how will they change, and what will this mean for both sides next season?
Bournemouth and Brentford: The Changes
This summer, Brentford are set to undergo the loss of talismanic figures for the club, which was set into motion after the Premier League’s second-longest serving manager Thomas Frank, opted to join Tottenham and goalkeeper Mark Flekken’s move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Following this move, reports from David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano indicate that Danish captain Christian Norgaard is set to join Arsenal in a deal worth around €10 million.
Forward and last season’s top scorer Bryan Mbeumo has been heavily linked with Tottenham and supposedly his club of preference, Manchester United.
Bournemouth, similarly, are set to lose notable figures. However, their changes will take place mostly in their defence.
Spaniard Andoni Iraola will remain at the helm for the south coast side. However, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has departed for Arsenal in a deal worth €5 million, left back Milos Kerkez has joined Arne Slot’s Liverpool, and young Spanish centre back, Dean Huijsen, has departed in a multi-million pound deal to Real Madrid and fellow centre back Ilia Zabarnyi has been rumoured to join Paris Saint Germain.
Bournemouth and Brentford: The Potential Solutions
In a move that sparked controversy, Brentford have replaced Thomas Frank with former set-piece coach Keith Andrews.
Andrews is a rogue pick to deputise for a manager who was admired to the extent Thomas Frank was by Bees fans.
However, this appointment from the Brentford hierarchy indicates they believe he can implement a good philosophy and stability into the side.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken has been replaced by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and Feyenoord midfielder Antoni Milambo has bolstered the ranks in midfield ahead of the departure of Christian Norgaard.
Young goalkeeper Kelleher brings great experience to the goalkeeping ranks in West London, having featured heavily for Liverpool in both Premier League and European matches.
Milambo has often featured in central and attacking midfield for Feyenoord and is known for his high pressing and long balls. Therefore, he may not be a direct replacement for Christian Norgaard.
However, the young midfielder will complement the likes of Mikkel Damsgaard with his creativity.
Brazilian goalkeeper Neto has returned to Bournemouth after a loan spell with Arsenal, reflecting that of Mark Travers who returns after a loan spell with Middlesbrough.
Both goalkeepers will be bidding to become their sides’ starting goalkeeper next season.
Although, Chelsea’s Dordje Petrovic has been linked with Bournemouth, indicating a level of uncertainty with the current options that Bournemouth have available.
The Cherries have already recruited their replacement in the left-back position, continuing to recruit younger talents from European sides by acquiring the services of Rennes left-back and young captain Adrian Truffert on a five-year deal.
Bournemouth have not yet replaced the departing Dean Huijsen, therefore players within their ranks including Marcos Senesi and James Hill will be bidding to start next season.
However, some targets have been identified, including Joel Ordonez, who currently plies his trade with Club Brugge.
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Conclusion
Both Bournemouth and Brentford are in the midst of high levels of transfer activity and, if reports are to be believed, both sides may look very different at the start of the next Premier League season.
This may lead many to believe that these sides may be in trouble next season, should they lose multiple notable figures from within their ranks.
However, both sides pride themselves on recruiting well, so it will be interesting to see the new faces within both sides next season, and the way Brentford play under new manager Keith Andrews.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 15.03.2025