Brentford

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At the end of the 2024-25 campaign, it may have been hard to imagine that Brentford's record £30m signing would go on to be Brazil's number nine at the 2026 World Cup.

But, after an emphatic goal-scoring season, that's the position Igor Thiago now finds himself in.

Although Thiago arrived at the Gtech Stadium in fine form, having scored 18 goals in 34 Belgian league matches during Bruges' title-winning campaign, the Brazil forward was unable to replicate that in his debut Premier League season.

However, the 24-year-old has proved his worth in his second campaign, notching up 26 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

Thiago has scored 41% of the Bees' Premier League goals this term (22 out of 54), currently the highest share by a player in a single campaign since Harry Kane in 2022-23 (43% for Spurs – 30 out of 70).

"It has been really special, not only for me but for all of us," Thiago told BBC Radio London.

The Bees' number nine also picked up two personal accolades at Brentford's end-of-season awards night, as he was crowned the supporters' player of the year and players' player of the year.

"It has been an incredible season. It was something we had dreamed at the beginning of the season. We are close to what we always dreamt for this club."

Keith Andrews said Thiago's World Cup call-up was "really special" and that it's a "'wow' thing to say Brazil's number nine is playing for Brentford."

With one game to go in the Bees' season, they will be firmly focused on picking up more points in their bid for European football.

"Liverpool will have their own agenda. We have our own mission that we would like to finish," added Andrews.

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David Rainford has only been in his academy director role at Brentford for a few months but is inheriting a significant remit: to emulate first-team success at youth level.

The Bees famously had a B team, which still exists, instead of an academy.

However, they have since built a more traditional set-up, becoming the fastest club to move from a category four academy to the highest category one status to compete against the biggest sides in England at youth level.

Speaking at the annual Robert Rowan Invitational — a charity match which Brentford lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in front of hundreds of fans at the Gtech Community Stadium — Rainford outlined his vision for the future.

On joining from the Premier League's EPPP programme: "I've been at the Premier League for nearly 10 years and was a big part of shaping the Elite Player Performance Plan — the modern framework that supports the academy system today. I also played with our B-team coach Sam Saunders and against Keith Andrews during my playing career."

Asked why he joined Brentford, Rainford said: "I saw their lofty ambitions to reach category one in record time. That's another example of how this club is unique. When they set their minds to something, they are creative, courageous and bold with their ambitions. For me, that opportunity — to come and lead at such an exciting time — was very attractive. With that infrastructure and support behind us, we can achieve some really positive things moving forward."

On competing with clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal for London's best young players: "People should choose where they feel comfortable. There is always competition, and that's true.

"We also have a uniqueness that can help us become a very productive academy. The young people here will feel seen, and our staff will provide a strong sense of connection."

On how the B team works alongside the under-21s: "Moving into category one status, the B team and under-21s will co-exist. Some games will be B-team fixtures, others under-21 matches, but the key thing is alignment.

"There is alignment and connection throughout the club — the academy matters to everyone. Technical Director Lee Dykes and first-team coach Keith Andrews will be here. We also have former under-21 and youth development coaches on the first-team staff."

On the need to produce homegrown players: "Brentford already has a strong track record of developing players, even if not always through the academy. Many have arrived relatively unknown and gone on to become top-level players, representing England.

"It's a long-term process, but hopefully some of them will be playing at the Gtech in the years to come."

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

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Does anyone want to grab that final European spot for next season?

That was what we asked at the end of Sunday's frustrating 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, when once again we stayed in the top eight despite not winning.

Week after week recently we've been dropping points - and in any other season we would surely have slipped into the bottom half of the table by now.

But, incredibly, our rivals to qualify for Europe also keep slipping up and it's still "up for grabs now" at Anfield on Sunday.

Brentford have been in the top eight in the table for all but two weeks since beating Bournemouth 4-1 on 27 December and we were seventh for most of that time.

Only Chelsea of our direct rivals for Europe can boast a similar record but, despite that, our run of one win and seven draws in our past 10 games could ultimately cost us.

I hope people don't see it as failure if we don't qualify for Europe. It would definitely be a missed opportunity, but a top-half Premier League finish for the third time in five seasons, if we do it, would be success.

At least our fate is largely in our own hands - with Chelsea the only problem, as if they beat both Spurs on Tuesday and Sunderland on Sunday they would leapfrog us into the top eight, barring an unlikely goal difference swing.

A Blues slip-up, however, makes the permutation simple - beat Liverpool and we can dust off our passports.

It is easier said than done, though.

The atmosphere should be electric and emotional for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson's farewells, and I've never seen us score at Anfield in six losing visits - four in the Premier League and two in cups.

With such a big prize at stake, there would be no better time to end that record.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Brentford and Crystal Palace. Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Neel: On that showing, we are not ready for Europe. I'm incredibly proud of how the season has played out and we need more fight, desire and quality before we progress to bigger things. Today was frankly, "meh"! Well done Bees and let's keep developing.

Nige: Obvious where the Bees need strengthening. We were poor. Second to most second balls by a yard, with no anticipation, as we often are. We concede goals from mistakes, and only really attack in the last 10 minutes - and rarely convert. Glaring misses. We need more up front. Hendo made a difference. Thiago misses too many chances. Three or four better additions and we'll do well next year.

Dave: Worst performance of the season - lethargic- just awful, awful awful.

Giles: A lesson in how to salvage a point while being thoroughly outplayed.

Crystal Palace fans

Les: An entertaining match but from a Palace view, it was two points dropped. Ref missed a blatant penalty call. Worrying injuries are of concern. Overall, Brentford had a fair proportion of the spoils and it could have gone either way.

Steve: Two halves of such contrasting football quality. From dominating in the first half, when Palace played some excellent football, to hanging on after re-taking the lead in the second. Wharton's goal was very welcome after such a long barren period. Palace should have pushed for a third to put the game to bed. Somehow, it seemed inevitable Brentford would equalise. Hopefully Richards and Lacroix are not too badly injured. Just recently, the defence has been leaking far too many goals. We need them fit and on their very best form for the final.

Colin: We clearly had a good game but picked up too many injuries. Focus is on Leipzig.

Al: Another game where we dominate a half and waste chances and then defend too deep and invite the opposition to overwhelm us. Disappointing result, two points dropped. Wharton finally scores, which is as rare as hen's teeth! Riad injury is disappointing. Glasner please rest the squad against Arsenal so they are fit for Leipzig.

Brentford have joined Brighton and Chelsea in showing an interest in Cologne's 19-year-old German winger Said El Mala. (Mail), external

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

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Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Leeds 1-0 Burnley

• Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

• Newcastle 3-1 West Ham

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

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Brentford remain firmly in contention to secure a place in continental competition for the first time in their history, but Keith Andrews' side are stumbling towards the finishing line.

They have won only one of their past nine games - against struggling West Ham two weeks ago - and face a difficult trip to Anfield on the final day of the season.

The Bees will drop to ninth on Tuesday if Chelsea win their game in hand on their west London rivals - against struggling Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Having scored from their only attempt on target in the first half, Brentford looked on course for a limp defeat until a flurry of opportunities late in the match.

Keane Lewis-Potter curled a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area, while Dean Henderson produced a fine stop to deny Dango Ouattara - before being beaten by the Burkina Faso forward's second of the game in the 88th minute.

Brentford could even have snatched all three points in stoppage time, but top scorer Igor Thiago blazed over the crossbar from close range before Sepp van den Berg headed off target following a corner.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a difficult game. They were the better team in the first half. We were not quite right in certain areas. Second half I thought we were the better team and deserve to win. We went absolutely to the end. we emptied ourselves, played with personality and I just have immense pride.

"I didn't feel it [any tension in the players tension around Europe]. The focus has been amazing, the personality we speak about playing with was there in abundance. We played a very well organised team, with a wealth of attacking options, it was never going to be an easy game. Unfortunately, we didn't quite hit our levels today, especially in that first half."

On the race for Europe: "I haven't had time to look at the table. We only focus on ourselves.

"I've seen it all season, in the way we train, the habits we have day to day. The character is there in abundance and it will be there next weekend [in the final league game against Liverpool].

"I knew it was a special group, that was the most exciting part of getting the job. We have earned the right to be where we are. A really special group."

Did you know?

• Six of Brentford's Premier League goals this season have come via throw-ins, more than any other side, with Stoke City in 2008-09 the last side to benefit from more in a top-flight campaign (nine).

• Brentford have won just two of their 12 Premier League London derbies this season, with no side enjoying fewer victories, while the Bees have won just five of their last 31 top-flight metropolitan clashes (D10 L16).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Crystal Palace's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Keith Andrews make two changes to the Brentford team that lost at Manchester City in their last game.

Vitaly Janelt and Dango Ouattara come back into the side, with Aaron Hickey and Kevin Schade dropping to the bench.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Ouattara, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Jensen, Damsgaard, Igor Thiago

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, Van den Berg, Pinnock, Henderson, Schade, Dasilva, Nelson, Furo

Oliver Glasner makes five alterations to the Crystal Palace team that started their last game – also against Manchester City.

In come Chadi Riad, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Ismaila Sarr.

Chris Richards, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Brennan Johnson, Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are all named among the substitutes.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Riad, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell, Sarr, Pino, Strand Larsen

Subs: Benitez, Lerma, Johnson, Mateta, Clyne, Hughes, Richards, Guessand, Devenny

There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Brentford v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Everton v Sunderland

• Leeds v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Fulham

• Newcastle v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-offs 15:00 unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Crystal Palace are going to keep on prioritising the Europa Conference League - their manager Oliver Glasner has already been talking about it.

So even if Glasner does not start with an obviously weakened line-up, he is managing the minutes for his players and everything is being done with an eye on the game with Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on 27 May.

In contrast, Brentford's focus is on their league position and making it into Europe for the first time in their history.

Because of all that, I am backing Brentford here. Palace beat the Bees at Selhurst Park in November, but they are not getting anything on Sunday.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford and Crystal Palace meet at the Gtech Community on Sunday afternoon (15:00 BST). The Bees are charging toward an unlikely Champions League finish, while Palace's focus is fixed firmly on a looming European final.

Bees buzzing toward Europe

Back in August, many pundits had Brentford tipped for relegation.

They'd lost their transformative head coach Thomas Frank to Spurs and key figures like captain Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

Yet here they are, chasing European football. Talk about defying expectations.

That resilience has defined their season.

Brentford haven't always been slick, but they've been stubborn.

At home, especially, they've rediscovered their gritty edge — just two defeats in their last 14 league matches at the Gtech.

Keith Edwards' side have also kept Palace quiet here for decades, unbeaten in their last six home league meetings.

This isn't a team that overwhelms opponents with chances.

But when they do fall, Igor Thiago has been ruthless — only Erling Haaland has scored more than two goals in more league games this season than his six.

Are the Eagles already looking to Leipzig?

Crystal Palace's season looked like it might unravel when Oliver Glasner announced in January he would leave at the end of the campaign.

But the turbulence has eased, the squad has steadied, and Palace now stand on the brink of something far more historic— the chance to lift a European trophy just three days after the Premier League season concludes.

In any other year, sitting 15th would cause concern.

But the Eagles are safe, well clear of relegation — and with European final in Leipzig calling, their priorities have shifted.

Their flat performance in a 3–0 defeat at the Etihad was another sign of a side saving its energy for something far bigger.

Palace still carry threat though, and the numbers prove it.

They've won six of their last nine Premier League London derbies away from home (D2 L1).

After victories at Fulham and Spurs, they're chasing a third straight away win in the capital in a top flight season — something they've never achieved.

Jean Philippe Mateta has driven that charge, scoring 11 goals in London derbies.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Brentford's new defender Jannik Schuster is steeped in sporting excellence – just not in the sport you might expect.

His older brother Jonas has won World Championship and Olympic medals in ski jumping at youth level, following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather.

From Tirol, a renowned skiing region of Austria, Schuster learned from his high-performance sporting family but chose a different path when he joined RB Salzburg at under-14 level.

It was there that the 6ft 3in centre-back used that mentality to develop through the youth ranks into a well-rounded player.

Schuster can play on either side of central defence and possesses good pace and aerial ability. He also captained the youth team to the Uefa Youth League semi-finals in 2025.

He joins Brentford for an initial £14m, with a further £3m in add-ons, after attracting interest from several European clubs during a breakthrough season in which he featured in Europe, including facing Aston Villa in the early stages of the Europa League.

"I think it is the best developing club in the world and every conversation I had made me confident about it," he said after signing a contract until 2031, with the club holding an option for a further year.

It makes sense for Brentford to add a young defender, with more experienced options such as Nathan Collins and Kristoffer Ajer competing for starting places.

"I really like him as a young man; he's determined to maximise his potential," head coach Keith Andrews said. "He's going to fit in well with the first-team squad."

Image source, Brentford FC

Brentford boss Keith Andrews says the signing of Austrian defender Jannik Schuster adds a player with "a lot of potential" to his squad.

Schuster, 19, will join from Red Bull Salzburg and has signed a deal until 2031, with an option for a one-year extension.

Last week, BBC Sport reported the deal for Schuster to be worth £12m, plus a further £4m in add-ons.

"I'm really delighted that we were able to get Jannik on board," said Andrews.

"He's already played a lot of games for Salzburg at a high level. He's a player with a lot of potential, and we see that as something we can develop.

"I really like him as a young man; he's determined to maximise his potential. He's going to fit in well with the first-team squad."

Schuster has been capped by Austria's Under-21 side and - after making his debut for Red Bull Salzburg in one solitary appearance last season - has become a regular starter during this campaign.

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Three more video assistant referee errors have been confirmed by the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel, taking the total this season to 23.

The panel has recorded three errors involving penalties, two of which should have been awarded for holding offences.

West Ham should have been given two spot-kicks in their 3-0 loss at Brentford - though one of the decisions was not considered to have reached the VAR threshold.

Keane Lewis-Potter held Tomas Soucek "in a clear non-footballing action which impacted the West Ham player's movement" and the panel unanimously felt the VAR Tony Harrington should have stepped in.

It was also felt referee Craig Pawson should have pointed to the spot in the 77th minute when Yehor Yarmolyuk slipped and brought down Pablo inside the area.

That was a split 3-2 vote for a spot-kick, but 4-1 against a VAR review.

• Read Dale's piece in full

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• The squad will "probably be very similar" to the one that faced Manchester City last weekend. They will have "more options to come off the bench" though, after Jordan Henderson, Vitaly Janelt and Aaron Hickey got minutes under their belts at Etihad Stadium.

• Rico Henry, who hasn't appeared since March because of a hamstring injury, isn't expected to feature before the end of the season.

• On whether his players are excited about the possibility of securing European football before the final day of the season, he said: "What I do know is they will be really focused, if training is anything to go by this week. There has been a real intent and edge to everything we have done. We know what a big game it is for us."

• On Brentford receiving three nominations for the Premier League's end of season awards, he said: "It is huge for the club to get that type of recognition. That doesn't happen without everybody rowing in the same direction and pushing really hard."

• He also spoke about fellow nominees Igor Thiago and Michael Kayode: "They are two very different individuals, with two very different stories, but both of them show everybody what it means to them when they step on the pitch. They are probably the most passionate players we have. They are a joy to be around. The levels they have produced this year have been pretty special."

• There will be "real pride" when he looks back on his first season as Brentford head coach because he has crafted "a really humble group that is also really hungry" to hit new heights.

• When asked about his decision to hold off on talking about the possibility of European football until now, he said: "It was more instinctive really, it isn't as if I've been in this position before. With two games to go, obviously it is a little bit different. We have to be pretty honest now and say we are obviously going for it. We want it and we have always been striving towards it."

• On the possibility of ending this season as the best Premier League club in west London, he said: "I suppose that will be a big one for the fans. It will be a nice thing to say, so it certainly isn't lost on me - but it hasn't been at the forefront of my thoughts."

• Crystal Palace's eyes will be on their upcoming Europa League final "to a degree", but Oliver Glasner's team selection is "very much his prerogative". Andrews added: "Whoever is on the pitch, they will be a very difficult team to beat. They are a really tricky opponent, who are well organised without the ball. They also have huge individual threats that we need to be very aware of."

• The Eagles have shown it is "possible to achieve cup success" - however, the Bees are on their "own journey" when it comes to European qualification.

Listen to live commentary of Brentford v Crystal Palace from 14:55 BST on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Got a question about Brentford? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

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Keith Andrews has been nominated for the Premier League's manager of the season award.

The Bees boss, who took over from Thomas Frank last summer, has led his side to 14 victories this campaign and are challenging for a top-six finish with two games remaining.

Andrews has been nominated alongside Manchester United's Michael Carrick, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Sunderland's Regis le Bris.

In addition, right-back Michael Kayode has been nominated for the young player of the season award and Igor Thiago is shortlisted for player of the season.

Thiago has scored 22 goals to date in this campaign, which is the most of any Brazilian player in a Premier League season.

The winners will be decided by a combination of a public vote and panel of football experts.

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Crystal Palace will hit the road to take on Brentford on Sunday, a fixture that usually see's the Bees victorious.

Brentford are unbeaten in their last six home league games against the Eagles, the last home loss coming in December 1957, in the Third Division South.

The Bees have only won just five of their last 30 Premier League London derby matches however. Contrast that with Oliver Glasner's side, who seem comfortable on the road in the capital, with their last nine away London derbies delivering six wins.

Keith Andrews' side are however proving tough to get at.

They are facing a shots on target figure of just 4.2 per game on average - their lowest mark in five seasons. The flip side to this perhaps? The Bees have averaged just 3.9 shots of their own on target - a low for their five seasons in the league.

So they are giving up little but need to be efficient in attack to make it count.

Much might come down to Igor Thiago then. He has scored two or more goals in six different Premier League games this season. Only Erling Haaland has hit a double more during the campaign and the next player to have bagged a brace or better so often in a season was Harry Kane in 2017-18, doing so nine times.