Brentford's transfer plans are taking shape, with the latest reports linking the club to Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to five possible arrivals and one potential exit. The hottest storyline right now is about Ruud Nijstad, and below is the latest news on the most important transfer rumours surrounding the club.
Mandela Keita
On Saturday, it was reported that Mandela Keita, a 23-year-old Belgian international, is the subject of interest from clubs including Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brentford, Galatasaray, and Napoli. The potential transfer fee for the Parma midfielder is reportedly 25 million euros, and his contract runs until June 2029. In the event of a sale at that price, former club Antwerp would be due 7.5% of the surplus value.
Pavel Šulc
Brentford is one of several Premier League clubs to have checked on Lyon's 25-year-old player, Pavel Šulc, in recent weeks, according to a Friday report. Aston Villa has also made recent checks on the attacker. Brighton, Everton, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth have all recently monitored him as well. Leeds United have continued their interest after showing it last summer, and Crystal Palace are also interested in the player from Czechia. Šulc joined the French club in August 2025 for a fee reported to be €7.5 million plus bonuses, is under contract until June 2029, and has scored 10 goals with 3 assists in 20 Ligue 1 appearances this season. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value to be €12 million.
Igor Thiago
According to a report from Fichajes on Sunday, Man City have challenged Bayern Munich for Igor Thiago and have reportedly intensified their bid to sign him. This follows news from last Friday that Manchester City maintain their interest in the 24-year-old Brazilian forward despite his new long-term contract with Brentford that runs until 2031. According to sources who spoke to TEAMtalk, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are monitoring his progress, while a separate source informed the outlet that Thiago is not seeking a transfer. He transferred from Club Brugge for €33 million in July 2024, and reports in early 2026 stated Brentford's asking price was between €70 million and €80 million.
Reiss Nelson
According to Team Talk on Thursday, Reiss Nelson is enduring a loan spell with Brentford. It is believed that Brentford have an option to buy the 25-year-old Englishman. However, it is uncertain whether they will use it, as they have climbed into the top half of the Premier League without much reliance on him. Nelson is on loan from Arsenal, where his contract is set to expire in 2027.
Mamadou Doumbia
According to an exclusive report from the editorial staff of Africafoot on Wednesday, Brentford is interested in Watford's 20-year-old forward, Mamadou Doumbia. Previously, it was reported that the player is attracting interest from several teams including Brentford and Newcastle, with Burnley also having been interested since last summer. According to the player's entourage, Newcastle has taken the lead in pursuing the player and has made him a priority. The player and his representatives are reportedly receptive to the sporting project offered by the club from the north of England.
For all the latest news, check out the Brentford club page.
