Brentford's summer brings 'a massive moment in our evolution'

BBC News

29-04-2025

This summer could be a big one for Brentford, regardless of whether or not we manage to grab a place in Europe for next season.Five long-serving members of the squad will be entering the final year of their contracts, and although the club has a year's option on Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Rico Henry, the deals of Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen completely expire in 14 months' time.It is unusual for the Bees to be in a position like this. I can't remember any recent season when so many key players could potentially walk away at the same time.All five of them, when fit, have been mainstays in our team for years - with all but Wissa joining us in the Championship. Losing a few of this group would be a massive moment in our evolution.I am quite sentimental when it comes to long-serving players and would like all of them to extend their stays - but football doesn't always work like that.While Mbeumo and Wissa are still first choice, Jensen has found it hard to force his way back into the starting line-up - ahead of the vastly improved Mikkel Damsgaard - since his recent recovery from injury and Yehor Yarmoliuk has started to be chosen ahead of Janelt sometimes.Henry has only just regained fitness following almost 18 months of injury and may find it hard to oust Keane Lewis-Potter, who has had an outstanding season covering for him at left-back.With Ben Mee and Josh Dasilva out of contract this summer, and Michael Kayode's loan coming to an end then too, director of football Phil Giles and his team are going to be busy!Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external