It’s been a mixed start to the 2024/25 Premier League season for Brentford. Sunday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace should have signified the perfect start for Thomas Frank and co, banishing the doubts that surfaced amid their stumbling form at the tail-end of the last campaign.
However, some fans would have barely been able to come back out from behind the sofa to watch the clash, after Franks’s selection seemed to suggest a hammer blow was imminent. Ivan Toney was axed from the matchday squad, with his German boss confirming the decision was due to the transfer speculation surrounding his striker.
The Bees go to Liverpool on Sunday, and have until August 30 to finalise the rest of their work in the summer transfer window. Express Sport looks at the scenarios that will ensure fans of the club will be smiling come September.
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Toney turns down Man Utd
With a move to Arsenal now appearing off the table, and Toney seemingly unwilling to up and leave for the financial haven that is Saudi Arabia, the 28-year-old appears to have one big option left if he is to move to another Premier League club. Despite the signing of Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United remain in the market for a No.9, especially with Rasmus Hojlund now injured after struggling to find his feet last season.
If an approach materialises, Toney faces a critical decision. Erik ten Hag is unable to offer Champions League football or even the promise of a serious title challenge. Having seen the amount of big money signings that have floundered at Old Trafford in recent years, the England striker may well be better served staying in a side he knows will complement his strengths.
If Toney were to reject United’s advances, and ultimately decide to stay in London, the lift it would give fans, team-mates, and manager would be immense. And having spent much of last season suspended for his FA betting breaches, it will be Frank who feels like he has secured a new signing.
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Van den Berg becomes a Bee
Brentford head to Anfield on Sunday having already bought Fabio Carvalho from their hosts, and by kick-off they may have snared a second player from them too. Liverpool have reportedly accepted £20million offers from both Brentford and Bayer Leverkusen for Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg
Despite the win against Palace, the hosts were clearly susceptible at the back with the Eagles left ruing a string of missed chances over the 90 minutes. Free from the shadows of Virgil van Dijk and co, Van den Berg could prove the man to shore things up.
And at 22, he represents a long-term prospect for Frank. Beating Leverkusen to the signing, a side who proved a revelation last season as they dethroned Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, would also signify a statement of intent.
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Brentford raid Burnley
The Liverpool man isn’t the only defensive option that could soon be arriving at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford and Wolves have both been linked with a move for Burnley centre back Dara O’Shea, who impressed in the Premier League last season despite the Clarets being relegated.
According to Birmingham World, the Republic of Ireland international, 25, will command a £15million fee. If Brentford can find the money, then they could start September with a rock solid base to complement Carvalho, Toney, and the rest of their attacking weapons.
