On deadline day Brentford announced the departure of Yoane Wissa who joined Newcastle for a reported £55 million. It was Brentford’s fourth key departure of the summer, following the exits of Christian Norgaard, Mark Flekken, Bryan Mbeumo and even their manager, Thomas Frank.
It poses the question as to how Brentford will fare this season, and if their transfer model can survive another key player moving on.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat is Brentford’s transfer model?
Brentford’s transfer model uses a data-driven approach to identify players in undervalued markets. The club then focuses on developing these players and increasing their value over time.
When they reach a certain value or ceiling, Brentford are willing to sell them for a significant profit, accepting that they are a selling club in order to remain competitive and fund future growth.
Brentford are also very good at succession planning, meaning they will only sell if they have a player in the squad to take over or have identified a player to buy as a replacement.
This model allows them to compete in the league without relying on massive spending. This sustainable system is known as Brentford’s ‘Moneyball Strategy’.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho has replaced Brentford’s key players in the past?
In previous years, Brentford’s transfer model has meant that when one star player goes, an even better one arrives.
In 2020, Ollie Watkins left for Aston Villa in a deal worth £33 million. Brentford bought Watkins from Exeter City in 2017 for just £1.8 million and when it was time for him to leave, they had already found his replacement in Ivan Toney.
Toney was flying in League One for Peterbrough, scoring 24 goals in 32 games. He joined the Bees for £5 million and went on to be an even bigger success than Watkins.
In 2024, David Raya joined Arsenal permanently after a one year loan spell. There was no panic in the Brentford camp though, as they had their new number one ready to go.
Embed from Getty ImagesFlekken cost Brentford £11 million in 2023 which proved to be yet another bargain, especially after selling Raya for £27 million. In 2024/25, Flekken had the highest save percentage (73.6%) in the Premier League and averaged the most saves per 90 (4.2).
The key with Brentford is that they always have the next player ready, and they won’t sell until they do. And when they do find their man, the likelihood is you won’t have heard of them.
Mbeumo was signed from Troyes (£5.8m) and Wissa was signed from Ligue 1 side Lorient (£8.7). Overall, those two players cost Brentford £14.5 million. This summer, the were sold for a total of £126 million including add-ons.
Embed from Getty ImagesWho has replaced them this time?
This summer has been no different for Brentford in terms of player sales. They have sold when they are ready, on their own terms. Hence why Flekken left and Caohimin Kelleher signed on the same day.
The departures this summer have been heavier but the approach remains the same. Wissa was replaced by former Bournemouth attacker Dango Ouattara for £42.5 million.
Norgaard joined Arsenal and was replaced by experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson a few days later. Reiss Nelson has also joined the Bees on loan to fill the void left by Mbeumo on the right wing.
Brentford also signed Antoni Milambo from Feyenoord for £18.8 million to further bolster their options going forward. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is a highly rated prospect who signed a five-year deal in the summer.
The only area in which they’ve potentially failed to properly replace is the managerial position. Thomas Frank’s assistant Keith Andrews is currently in charge. So far he has guided Brentford to 15th following two defeats and one victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesWill the model keep working, or is this a tipping point?
Brentford’s recruitment machine keeps them competitive, turning losses into opportunities with smart succession planning. However this summer was different. The volume of losses was more than ever before and the impact those players made will be tough to replicate.
The managerial void is a different challenge and likely the loss that will be felt most. Replacing Frank’s influence is no easy task. For all their transfer success, Brentford’s season may ultimately hinge on new boss Andrews.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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