Brentford

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Brentford record-signing Mamadou Sangare was handed his first playing minutes in a behind-closed-doors victory over Wycombe Wanderers at Jersey Road.

The 24-year-old central midfielder was substituted on for the second half and featured for a full 45 minutes as the Bees took a 4-1 win over their League One opposition.

Brentford started off brightly with Vitaly Janelt opening the scoring inside 25 minutes and Dango Ouattara doubling their lead just 11 minutes later with a tap-in from close range.

Wycombe centre-forward Emre Tezgel grabbed a goal back early in the second half, before Brentford summer signings Jaidon Anthony and Callum Wilson linked up to make it 3-1.

Keane Lewis-Potter's 89th-minute right-footed curler topped off a winning afternoon for Keith Andrews' side, who will now look forward to a pre-season friendly against Rennes at Roazhon Park on Saturday (17:00 BST).

Brentford may sanction another loan move to Celtic for defender Benjamin Arthur, 20. (Football Insider), external

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

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Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

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In January, Brentford paid £8m to sign Belgian striker Kaye Furo from Club Brugge.

A 6ft 3in quick and powerful striker, Furo had played in the Champions League against Arsenal before moving to west London with Bees boss Keith Andrews saying: "Kaye is someone we have tracked for a while that we are really excited about bringing to the club.

"His attributes are ones I like and feel we can develop within the environment we have created. I have no doubt he will be a big player for us."

Furo played two FA Cup ties for Brentford before making his Premier League debut in May, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 victory over West Ham, and Andrews will be hoping for a big season from the 19-year-old.

Read more on youngsters to watch at each Premier League club this season

Should a club build a new stadium or upgrade its current home in a bid to maintain some history? How significant is a new ground in terms of revenue generated? Will it move the needle?

BBC Sport has worked with football finance expert Kieran Maguire to consider the impact a new home has.

Take a look at your club's matchday revenue figures from 2024-25 below and get the full article here.

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Gillingham have brought in defender Conor McManus for an undisclosed fee from Premier League side Brentford.

The 22-year-old did not play a first-team match for the Bees after moving from Irish side Bray Wanderers.

Left-back McManus is a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 player and will be available to make his Gillingham debut in their EFL Cup tie at home to Luton Town on Saturday (15:00 BST).

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We asked for your views on Brentford's latest signing Mamadou Sangare, who has joined from Lens for a club record fee.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: An athletic, ball-winning defensive midfielder, who can also bring the ball forward quickly, is exactly what Brentford have needed for a couple of seasons. Sangare is young yet made the Ligue 1 team of the season. He ticks all the boxes and could prove to be an inspired signing.

Phil: It's a very exciting signing and statement of intent. Hopefully, it will be as important as Ngolo Kante was for Leicester City. Replacing a waning talent in Jordan Henderson with a player on the up is fantastic.

Will: He seems like a great signing, particularly with Henderson's departure. Seems like he could challenge straight away for a starting role, given the high level he's played at. He's young with room to grow still - a very Brentford choice! Excited to see him play.

Rex: First time since we got promoted that the first choice midfield three won't be any players that helped us come up. Sangare, Antoni Milambo and Mikkel Damsgaard. Even if we have the injuries of last season in midfield, we are much stronger in that area. We need to push for Europe as teams playing in it this season will struggle in the league.

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Brentford head coach Keith Andrews says club-record signing Mamadou Sangare "fits everything we want from a player".

The Lens midfielder, who was included in Ligue 1's 2025-26 Team of the Year, has signed a five-year contract with a club option for a further year.

Sangare made 33 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and to a first-ever Coupe de France title.

"He is a player we have tracked for quite some time," Andrews said. "He has been on our radar and he was a player we were really keen to bring in.

"Last season was a huge one for him, following a couple of loan spells during which he developed.

"He performed at such a consistently high level at Lens and added to that was his form for Mali, where he has become a really key player."

Sangare featured for Mali throughout the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, playing in each of his country's matches en route to the quarter-finals.

"He is a player that adds to a really good midfield that we already have," Andrews added. "He also adds qualities that we don't have. He complements the current midfield.

"He fits everything we want from a Brentford player, on and off the pitch. He will be a player that I think will be very popular with the fans.

"From the conversations I've had with him, he is very keen to be here. He is a humble young man, but he is equally as determined to succeed in his career."

What do you make of the club-record signing? Will Mamadou Sangare strengthen Keith Andrews' team?

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page on Monday to see a selection of your replies.

Brentford are close to signing Lens and Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare, 24, as a replacement for Jordan Henderson. (Evening Standard), external

Brentford have knocked back a permanent bid from Celtic for defender Benjamin Arthur, 20, who spent last season on loan at Parkhead. (Richmond and Twickenham Times), external

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

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Jordan Henderson says he leaves Brentford "with a lot of pride and some great memories" after reaching a mutual agreement with the club to terminate his current contract.

The Bees have let the 36-year-old go on a free transfer this summer, despite only securing his services one year ago, with a move to Chelsea already negotiated.

"I leave Brentford with a lot of gratitude for the opportunity the club gave me and for the support and care shown to me and my family from day one," Henderson wrote on X, external.

"Coming back to the Premier League was really important to me, and Brentford gave me that chance. I will always be thankful for that.

"I hope I was able to play my part in helping the team through an important period for the club. We achieved a lot together last season and it is something everyone involved should be proud of.

"Brentford is a special football club. It is ambitious, progressive and full of good people. From the owners and the leadership to the coaching staff, the players and everyone behind the scenes, it has been a privilege to be a part of it.

"Most of all, I would like to thank the supporters. Their backing never changed and the connection they have with the club is clear to see. They care deeply about Brentford and they support the team in the right way, every step of the journey.

"Finally, thank you to every member of staff and all of my team-mates. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you. I will look back on my time at Brentford with a lot of pride and some great memories."

Henderson leaves Gtech Community Stadium having registered one goal and three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

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The transfer rumours are continuing to swirl around Jordan Henderson, with Brentford understood to be willing to let the 36-year-old go on a free transfer this summer despite him still having one year left on his contract.

It is fair to say fans are split on the situation, with one supporter commenting: "The difference between what Brentford will lose by letting Henderson leave and what Chelsea would gain by signing him is massive."

So what exactly are the club losing if the defensive midfielder jumps ship - just one year after making the "easy decision" to sign from Ajax?

Henderson made 22 starts in 34 appearances for the Bees last season across all competitions, playing 56% of the possible minutes, scoring one goal and contributing three assists.

The England international was a key figure on and off the pitch as Keith Andrews' side made a push for the European football spots but ultimately fell short on goal difference.

He offered a solid presence in midfield, playing most frequently alongside Vitaly Janelt, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Mathias Jensen, and averaging more passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League than any other Brentford player (54.2).

Interestingly, Andrews doesn't currently have much depth in that area of the pitch with Henderson, Janelt and 20-year-old Yunus Konak making up the core of his defensive midfield options.

So, with all things considered, Brentford's hunt for appropriate reinforcements should already be underway - irrespective of whether Henderson heads through the exit door this summer.

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Video assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.

Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.

Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.

When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.

"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.

"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.

"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."

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We asked how you are feeling about Brentford potentially letting Jordan Henderson join Chelsea for free?

Here are some of your comments:

Ken: Letting him go on a free transfer to a local rival is an insult. Demand at least £20m. Experience and cheerleading shouldn't go cheaply.

Tom: I'd be happy for him to go. He's clearly a good bloke to have around and a positive influence - and he came in and filled a gap when needed. But he's the third-choice defensive midfielder now at Brentford. If everyone stays fit, he won't start many games and, if you're going to sit on the bench, why not get paid a huge amount of money for it! Good luck to him!

Graham: Brentford should try to keep Henderson with a view to him joining the coaching staff once he retires from playing. He has been a tremendous asset to the squad and exhibits a wonderful team-first ethic that is an example to all around him, as exemplified by his recent attitude at the World Cup. How many players do Chelsea need? I often feel that the 'big' clubs just sign players to stop them from playing against them and not because they need them.

Rob: Henderson wouldn't have gone to the World Cup if he was still playing in Saudi Arabia or the Netherlands. Only Brentford gambled on him and it paid off for both parties. He wouldn't be an automatic choice for the team, but Brentford saw a role for him which he has adapted into brilliantly. I believe Brentford should be paid to release him from his contract and receive a fee in the region of £10m-plus.

Steve: The difference between what Brentford will lose by letting Henderson leave and what Chelsea would gain by signing him is massive. His experience last season was huge for us and losing him will be a big loss, especially for free to moneybags down the road. He won't start much for Chelsea, but he was a key player for us. It makes no sense to me!

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Brentford have released their away kit for the 2026-2027 season.

The shirt is navy, featuring cream pinstripes and is paired with navy shorts and socks. The design is "influenced by the distinguished tailoring of the Kingsman films".

Brentford shareholder and director of the Kingsman film series, Sir Matthew Vaughn, was a part of creating the shirt which the club said "pays homage to the heritage of Savile Row, bringing together football, film and fashion in our most distinctive kit to date."

West Ham have turned down a bid for reported Brentford target, right-back El-Hadji Malick Diouf, and want the 21-year-old to help them return to the Premier League. (Football Insider, external), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Chelsea have entered talks to sign Jordan Henderson from Brentford as the Blues look to bolster experience within their side.

The 36-year-old has one year left on his contract after he joined the club from Ajax in July 2025 and the Bees are willing to let him leave on a free transfer.

The ex-Liverpool captain was selected to be a part of Thomas Tuchel's England squad at the 2026 World Cup, but only made one substitute appearance before breaking his arm falling over advertising hoardings.

Henderson made 34 appearances for Brentford last season, scoring one goal.

How do you feel about Keith Andrews' side potentially letting Henderson join Chelsea for free?

Get in touch with your views here

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English football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

Read more on the trial

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Brentford striker Callum Wilson says the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal has allowed him to get to know his new team-mates "on a more personal level", as head coach Keith Andrews steps up his preparations for the new campaign.

Wilson signed a 12-month contract to join the Bees in July, after leaving West Ham United as a free agent following the club's relegation to the Championship.

The forward will provide competition for Brazil international Igor Thiago, who scored 25 goals across 40 appearances in all competitions last season.

"It has been a really good and really positive camp," Wilson said. "Obviously it was hard, that's what the emphasis is.

"It has also been really good to get to know my new team-mates on a more personal level because we've been with each other day-in, day-out.

"I knew what to expect in terms of intensity, as I know what type of boss Keith Andrews is. It has been a camp of hard work and it is one I've really enjoyed. It is definitely going to stand us in good stead."

When asked what has stood out to him most since arriving at Gtech Community Stadium, Wilson highlighted the "quality" of his team-mates.

"I've enjoyed the honesty of the group in terms of how close everybody is, the culture and the environment," he added. "You never really know what a football club is like on the inside until you actually get inside it.

"Having been amongst the lads now, this is such a great group. Everyone has been so welcoming so all of us new lads have settled in really well. I feel like we've been welcomed in with open arms."

Now the dust has settled on the 2026 World Cup, you can officially review your Predictor results for the tournament.

If you played more than four rounds, BBC Sport has done a deep dive into your predictions, tournament performance and compared you to other players.

Don't worry, though, Predictor isn't stopping at international tournaments! Pre-season has kicked off and there are plenty of friendlies and European qualifiers to keep us occupied before the new season gets under way.

So how do you fancy your chances of correctly predicting the scores for our six selected matches every week?

BBC Sport has launched a new weekly Predictor game to cover the 2026-27 season, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from six fixtures from across the leagues.

There will usually be a Friday deadline and the game will also feature streaks, so make sure to build it into your weekly football habits.

Lock in your first round of predictions before Friday, 24 July here

If you're wondering how to play, here are a few easy steps:

• Click on the link above to take you to the selections page.

• For every match, you either choose a winning team or select a draw - once your prediction has been submitted you won't be able to change it, so be sure to pick carefully.

• Then wait for the results to roll in to see how you have done.

• Share your results with your friends and family.

• Every consecutive round you play adds one to your streak, but if you miss a round then your streak will reset to zero.

Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

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The Premier League's financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Since 2016 total summer transfer spending has risen from £1.16bn to a record £3.19bn in 2025 – an increase of almost 175%.

On the surface, that suggests transfer figures are continuing to accelerate. Headline fees, though, tell only part of the story.

Research by Kieran Maguire and colleagues at the University of Liverpool suggests some of the Premier League's earlier record signings represented even greater investments when measured against clubs' buying power at the time.

Using Premier League broadcasting revenues as an index, Alan Shearer's £15m move from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United in 1996 remains the league's biggest transfer relative to clubs' spending power. Rio Ferdinand's £29.1m move to Manchester United in 2002 and Juan Sebastian Veron's £28.1m arrival at Old Trafford in 2001 also rank above any of this summer's blockbuster deals.

The same model suggests Trevor Francis' £1m move from Birmingham City to Forest in 1979 – English football's first £1m transfer – would equate to about £173m in today's market.

That does not mean the fees paid for Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali were modest. Rather, it reflects how dramatically Premier League revenues have grown, allowing clubs to spend sums that would once have been unimaginable.

When Jack Grealish became Britain's first £100m footballer when joining City from Villa in 2021, the transfer marked another turning point in the evolution of the market.

Only five years later, nine-figure deals are no longer viewed as extraordinary. They have become a familiar feature of Premier League transfer windows.

The next milestone may not be far away.

While no Premier League club has yet paid £200m for a player, football's financial ceiling continues to rise and the first transfer of that magnitude no longer feels beyond the realms of possibility.

• Read more on transfer fee evolution