Brentford

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Brentford boss Keith Andrews has praised Yoane Wissa's professionalism and attitude amid ongoing uncertainty around the forward's future.

The 28-year-old is back with the group after leaving the Bees' pre-season trip to Portugal early last week.

Andrews admitted Wissa is still building up match fitness but underlined the forward's value to the squad, calling him an "outstanding talent" and a player any coach would want to work with.

Despite the speculation, Andrews insists their relationship remains respectful as the transfer window plays out.

"Wissa came back from Portugal - that was the right thing for all parties," Andrews told BBC Radio London.

"He was working very hard in the training ground in the build-up to the QPR game, obviously lacking in fitness. The players had yesterday off, and today was the first day we trained together as a group, and Yoane was there.

"Every coach would want him at the football club and every fan would want him at the football club, because he is an outstanding talent. He has proved to be an amazing football player for this club because of his importance within the group.

"I can't say that it has put me under a lot of stress because I do things one at a time. I am very understanding of the situation, having been in this industry for a long time.

"Transfer windows are always similar. I try to keep a good relationship with Wissa, and that's the way it has to remain.

"It's underpinned with mutual respect."

Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.

Image source, Opta

It is not yet clear if the team that finishes fifth in this season's Premier League will secure a Champions League spot again as that outcome depends on how representatives performance in Europe this season.

Therefore, based on needing a top-four finish to reach the Champions League and fifth getting the Europa League, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are favourites again, but there is still plenty of hope for others.

Aston Villa agonisingly missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day, but in almost a third of simulations they do force their way into a top-four spot this time around.

Newcastle's focus may be on trying to keep star striker Alexander Isak, but currently the Supercomputer predicts the Magpies to finish sixth most often, and a top-four finish in 29.9% of simulations.

Meanwhile, after Crystal Palace's strong end to last season brought a first major trophy, the Eagles are given more than a one-in-five chance of a top-four finish. They manage that achievement in 21.6% of sims, ahead of rivals Brighton (16.8%).

In their second season under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are predicted an eight-placed finish in the majority of sims.

The Supercomputer ranks Bournemouth (10.1%) and Nottingham Forest (8.9%) as outside shouts for European football this season.

Perhaps surprisingly, Brentford are predicted to have a strong season despite losing Thomas Frank and key players Bryan Mbuemo and Christian Norgaard - with Yoanne Wissa also looking likely to exit.

If as many as seven or eight Premier League clubs can qualify for Europe next season, the door could be open for a surprise team to sneak in.

Read Opta's full Supercomputer breakdown here, external

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Brentford and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

Here are some of your submissions:

Peter: My first game was a relegation battle at the bottom of Division Four. Brentford v Darlington at Griffin Park in the 70s and non-league oblivion was a possibility.

At that stage the League sent its best referees to these games as it was so crucial for a club's future. We got Jack Taylor, the referee from the West Germany v Holland game at the World Cup and we won 3-0.

I was just a kid at the time but it felt from that moment I was properly connected into the football world. I went to some Chelsea games but Brentford felt like where I belonged. Up close and personal at Griffin Park. Not glamorous but very real.

Now, I walk into the Gtech and it just still feels like a proper club. Every game is like being in the FA Cup and getting drawn against the big clubs. If you get beaten, you are still in the draw for next week with a guarantee of getting another big team.

Ian: It's been a family following from the beginning.

I'm a fifth generation fan. A family legend is that my great-great-great grandfather as a local landlord and rowing club member was in the pub while the meeting to create Brentford FC was happening.

Clearly we've been gluttons for punishment ever since!

I've been going since 1977 and it's strange now saying I support Brentford and people know who that is. I'm proud to see the club doing so well. We've had some great times recently and beating the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool isn't just a victory. Its therapy for my childhood when you'd get jokes such as you must think you're team is called Brentford Nil!

I have an old-fashioned rolodex in my head every time we beat a massive team of people who have mocked Brentford over the years just to simply say: "You've heard of us now, eh?"

Some of the greatest times were when we were the little team beating the giants, it's strange now being one of the teams to beat in cup competitions.

Send your pictures and stories here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

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'Why did you fall in love with your club?'

This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.

Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.

The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.

But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?

"A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.

"We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.

"In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."

Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.

Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.

"The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.

"It's handed down from generation to generation."

The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.

An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.

"With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.

"Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.

"But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."

Share your story in our My Club My Passion campaign

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Republic of Ireland and Brentford defender Nathan Collins, 24. (GiveMeSport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on Nathan Collins being named Bees captain.

Here are some of your comments:

Jane: Great choice. Nathan had always shown his leadership ability at the heart of defence. Experienced as captain of Stoke and Ireland. The epitome of an old head on young shoulders. A very self-assured young man.

Jake: It makes sense as the boss is Irish too but he's also been a top player even at Burnley. He then pushed on so much at Wolves where he learned to play with the ball. Now at Brentford he's becoming one of the best defenders in the league. Don't underrate Brentford this season. Players maximising their potential.

Dave: Perfect choice, a natural captain.

Ben: Collins is a great choice. Good leader from the back and always gives 100%. Talks to the team. A gentle giant to the younger players as well.

David: 100% the right call, one I'd hoped Andrews would make. He's already captain for his country where Kelleher is also behind him. Plus it's quite funny that the old joke that we were Denmark FC and have now morphed into Ireland FC.

Andrew: Nathan Collins is absolutely the right pick for captain this season. Ever-present last season, rarely injured and lots of experience at club and international level despite just being 24 years old. Not many other candidates but I'm glad he wasn't overlooked for Henderson who will still have a major part to play in helping lead a young squad.

John: Proven quality throughout last season and respected by all. The only choice.

Paul: Collins is the perfect choice. Young, talented, can coordinate the team from central defence. Has a long standing relationship with the new head coach as well. I was hoping he'd get it as it could mean we can keep him at the club a bit longer. Also - he's Irish. What's not to like?

Image source, Getty Images

Nathan Collins celebrated being named Brentford captain by scoring the only goal of the game in the Bees' pre-season win over Queens Park Rangers.

Collins, who joined Brentford in 2023, glanced in Michael Kayode's left-footed cross early in the game as Keith Andrews' side built on a pre-season draw with Portuguese side Gil Vicente.

On a landmark day for 24-year-old Collins, he said of his new captaincy role: "It's a massive honour to be captain of this great football club. There have been some great people and footballers before me.

"I'm really excited by the challenge of this season and, with your support, it'll be a special campaign."

Collins succeeds the departing Christian Norgaard in taking the armband.

• Is Collins the right pick? Tell us

Andrews added: "Nathan's someone I've known since he was around 14 years of age, coaching some of the Ireland youth teams.

"He's always been a natural leader, he's gained a lot of experience considering the age that he is, and he's developed his professionalism to a new level because he's been involved in this environment for a couple of years and has learnt from some great people.

"He communicates very well, he's got really good values, on and off the pitch, and, naturally, players gravitate towards him - he has respect from all the players and staff, which is a key attribute to have.

"Nathan is a brilliant fit, but he's just one player and he needs the support of all of us and all the players within the dressing room.

"We've got some fantastic experience, which will include a leadership group that's been selected around Nathan and they will all have a voice in how we do things, because I'm big on player involvement in the process, what we do, and how we do it."

Image source, Matt

On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Brentford and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Matt:

"We're the Red, Black and White Army... We are Brentford, super Brentford, super Bees... Bees, Bees, Barmy Army... From Division Four to the Premier League, supporting Brentford FC over the past 30 years has been a rollercoaster with a lot of fun on the ride.

"For the past 10 years, my son Jacob has joined me on the rollercoaster. I love the atmosphere us fans create at the home matches and I feel valued by the club for my support."

Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the Bees.

Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Brentford striker Yoane Wissa continues to train away from the first team amid uncertainty over his future and interest from multiple rival clubs.

The 28-year-old arrived at training on time before meeting manager Keith Andrews and sporting director Phil Giles to indicate his preference to continue training alone.

Wissa has previously threatened he will never play for Brentford again in past talks with Giles amid reports a £25m bid from Newcastle was rejected last week.

Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in the Congo international.

Andrews is preparing his team to face QPR on Saturday which will also be the first time he speaks about the situation publicly.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Yoane Wissa remains in limbo after leaving Brentford's 10-day training camp in Portugal amid transfer interest from Newcastle.

The 28-year-old striker threatened to never play for the club again during talks with Brentford director of football Phil Giles and is keen to play Champions League football.

His future remains unclear as he has been training at Brentford's training base instead of in Portugal with a small group of coaches and other players for this interim period.

The sessions are not at the level of intensity or tactical detail to the ones conducted by new manager Keith Andrews, but are enough to keep the Congo international fit.

The rest of Brentford's squad return from Portugal on Tuesday, will be given a day off and return to training on Thursday before a pre-season friendly at Loftus Road against QPR on Saturday.

It is currently unclear whether Wissa will re-integrate himself in the squad until either Newcastle make a further bid or walk away, with Nottingham Forest also known to have expressed an interest.

Brentford are not willing to sell DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, 28, to Newcastle at any price unless they sign a replacement first. (ipaper - subscription required, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Brentford.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Much has been written about Yoane Wissa and his apparent desire to go on strike to force a move away from Brentford.

We will only know the truth when we see if Wissa turns up for training this week.

One thing I am sure about, though, is that Brentford never would have promised Wissa a year ago that he could leave this summer.

Everybody knew this would be the time when Bryan Mbeumo would move on and the club would not have agreed to let them both go at the same time.

Things may have been different if record signing Igor Thiago, who barely played last campaign following a pre-season injury, had been fit.

Last year would have been the Brazilian's settling-in season, but as he is a year behind schedule, Wissa's Premier League experience is still very much needed.

In the past, Brentford sold players way too cheaply, but no longer. We hold all the cards here, with a one-year option in the club's favour meaning Wissa is still effectively under contract for two more seasons.

However, the Bees always say every player has a valuation and if that is met then we are open to selling, but that could be why a figure of £50m has been mentioned - to put off clubs.

Thiago is the main striking alternative but winger Kevin Schade could play through the middle. However, if Wissa goes then another experienced Premier League striker will be needed.

This season is hard to predict, as nobody knows whether Keith Andrews is a good manager - only time will tell.

Losing Christian Norgaard, in particular, was a massive blow but Jordan Henderson is a good and clever replacement.

Everybody will write us off but I am optimistic that, given the talent we have, we will still be a Premier League club in 12 months' time.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

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Brentford head coach Keith Andrews says he has "loved every minute" of the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal, adding that he is "really pleased" following the 1-1 draw with Primeira Liga side Gil Vicente on Friday night.

Igor Thiago was the only player to get on the scoresheet as summer signings Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson and Antoni Milambo were all handed their first minutes in his first game in charge.

"I've loved every minute of it," Andrews told the club's media, external after the friendly. "We have pushed the players to where we want to bring them. We have been demanding of them.

"I was really pleased overall. This week has been geared towards this game and the plan was to play the majority of players for 45 minutes in two different halves.

"The first half had the more senior players playing, getting to know each other, working on things from training. It was maybe not to the level we wanted, but it is pre-season and that's why we are working on it.

"I was slightly disappointed with the start of the second. We were a bit passive but then we got a grip of the game and we were solid. The younger team out there will gain confidence from that."

The Bees are travelling back to England next week to continue their pre-season preparations, but Andrews could be without Brazilian youngster Gustavo Nunes who was forced off with an injury in the second-half.

"He has obviously felt his hamstring," Andrews said. "It is devastating for him because he came back from his holiday slightly earlier to get ready for pre-season and put himself in this position.

"After a frustrating season last year with injuries, hopefully it is nothing too serious because he is a talented player."

Image source, Brentford FC

Brentford have unveiled their new away kit for the 2025-26 season, inspired by the Bees' connection to nature.

The strip celebrates the club's "historical associatioin with bees" that goes back to the early part of the 20th Century.

It features a brown-coloured base with gold-coloured detailing and marks the first time the club has used their single Brentford bee logo.

There is a bee-wing pattern throughout the shirt, with gold detailing across the collar - which has a special 'Bees' logo on the back - as well as the sleeves.

To support Brentford's sustainability efforts, the replica away shirts are made of 100 % recycled polyester, which helps prevent materials from being sent to landfills and requires less energy than conventional polyester.

What do you make of it?

Choose your verdict here

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We asked whether Brentford should be doing all they can to keep Yoane Wissa or sell the striker, following news he has left the club's pre-season base in Portugal for talks over his future amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: It's perfectly simple really. Wissa MUST remain at the club and we have to rebuff any offers for him. Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard contributed exactly two-thirds of our Premier League goals between them last season (44 of 66). Irrespective of Wissa's age and transfer value, we have to factor in the financial impact of being relegated, especially with a rookie manager. Surely?

Elizabeth: If he's unhappy staying, perhaps it's time for him to go.

Allan: Although we always seem to recruit well and someone steps up to the plate, I think after losing our manager, goalkeeper, captain and our best forward in this transfer window, and despite buying in some good replacements, losing Wissa would be disappointing. But if he wants to go and they meet our valuation, then he should go.

Nick: Wissa is a fan favourite and clearly very popular around the squad. He also scored 19 non-penalty goals last season. All that is almost impossible to replace but I don't think we can stand in his way either. Close that transfer window now!

Peter: Never believed it's worth trying to keep a player who wants to go. Get the best deal and move on. I have total faith that the future is bright.

Nick: Wissa has been a great servant of the club and one of the hardest-working players on the pitch. He would be of serious value to any club and deserves a chance, similar to Mbeumo, to play at a higher level and in Europe. However, his value should not be underestimated and £25m is a joke - £40-50m would show the respect to the player that they really want him.

Rick: Mbeumo and Wissa have been great assets. however, with Mbeumo already gone and with all the other changes - particularly Thomas Frank and Christian Norgaard having also left - it's a chance to rebuild again for the future. There is a strong enough squad, and although sad to see him go, it's the right time for Wissa to earn a good sum somewhere else and for Brentford to cash in on this asset. Just when key players have left and you wonder how the Bees will manage, they always succeed in doing a little bit better. Look at Ivan Toney going - the team played even better without him. Same now with Wissa - the club get a worthwhile transfer fee and Wissa gets the big payout he deserves.

David: I've always rated Wissa since we signed him. To lose both Mbeumo and Wissa would be tragic. I trust there will be a plan but I'm glad I don't have to make it!

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Brentford have rejected an opening offer of £30m from Premier League rivals Newcastle United for forward Yoane Wissa. (TBRfootball, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Brentford defender Kim Ji-soo has joined German second-tier club Kaiserslautern on loan for the whole of the 2025-26 season.

The 20-year-old started the FA Cup third-round loss to Plymouth and made four other substitute appearances last term - three of them in the Premier League.

"This is an excellent opportunity for him to go and play competitive football at a good level," said Bees director of football Phil Giles.

"He has made good progress since joining us and we were very pleased to see him get a Premier League debut last year."

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

After leaving the team's pre-season base in Portugal, Yoane Wissa will now hold talks with Brentford director of football Phil Giles.

Newcastle, Spurs and Nottingham Forest are among those with a firm interest in signing the DR Congo forward.

The outcome of the meeting is likely to be pivotal towards how Brentford approach resolving Wissa's future.

Brentford recently tried to open negotiations with Wissa over a new contract, but he is understood to prefer a move away this summer.

It comes after Bryan Mbeumo left for Manchester United in a deal worth an initial £65m.

Brentford initially had no intention of losing both Mbeumo and Wissa this summer.

However, with Wissa turning 29 in September, the scenario of a depreciating asset - who this summer could command a fee in the region of £40m, if not more - will likely be a consideration.

That he has just 12 months left on his current deal, though there is an option to activate by a further year, is another factor to mull over.

Should the club double down on keeping Wissa after Mbeumo's exit? Or would they be better cashing in and having a clean slate to work with?

Let us know