As has been previously alluded to, West London side Brentford are in the process of undergoing significant change this summer, losing notable figures.
Some of those figures have been replaced. But while the future of others remains uncertain, is the club making the correct decisions?
Brentford’s Changes
Earlier in the transfer window, Brentford confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Mark Flekken, replacing him with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, as well as announcing the departure of manager Thomas Frank, replacing him with set-piece coach Keith Andrews.
Captain Christian Norgaard has also departed, making the move across London to join Arsenal.
Norgaard looks set to be replaced by ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, who appears to be turning down a return to Sunderland to join the club.
Forwards Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, although not departed, also appear to be flirting with the exit door, representing more decisions that have to be made by the Bees should they need to be replaced.
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Evaluating the Changes
For Brentford to replace Mark Flekken with Kelleher, they have acquired a younger goalkeeper with high levels of experience with a top side.
Kelleher is sometimes prone to error. However, this was also the case with Mark Flekken, and by acquiring a younger goalkeeper, Kelleher has more opportunity to eradicate errors from his game.
Set-piece coach Keith Andrews has been dealt a tough task with the managerial role, as it is a new experience for him.
It is not often that set-piece coaches obtain managerial roles, especially after the loss of such a notable manager.
Therefore, it is unsurprising that many people have a negative outlook on his prospects, as his capabilities are so unknown.
Many will feel that the Bees would have been safer opting for a more experienced man to take them forward.
Replacing Christian Norgaard with Jordan Henderson also appears to be a bold move.
Henderson is heading towards the latter stages of his career and has to replace the captain of the side, after not having featured in the Premier League in recent years. Henderson was appreciated at Ajax.
However, he will take time to adjust when returning to the Premier League, and it remains to be seen if he is capable of fulfilling that responsibility.
Although nothing is confirmed concerning the departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, the loss of their goal scorers and notable figures will be concerning.
Brentford often pride themselves on unearthing unknown gems, but if they are to take that approach when replacing Wissa and Mbeumo, it is a risky move that could see Brentford in trouble should it not work out.
Some of the decisions Brentford have made may be regarded as questionable. However, Brentford are a club that has trusted its decisions regardless of the thoughts of others.
They pride themselves on their recruitment and, although to many, it does not look positive currently, they have full belief in their methods of operation.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 06.04.2025