Based on , Bayer Leverkusen have reached an settlement with Brentford for the switch of Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The 31-year-old, who arrived in West London solely final summer time, is now anticipated to hitch forces with Erik ten Hag in Germany.
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This transfer marks a swift flip in Brentford’s goalkeeping plans, and though Flekken endured a combined debut season within the Premier League, he remained a key determine for Thomas Frank’s facet.
Flekken Departure Alerts Busy Summer season Forward
“Bayer Leverkusen have reached an settlement with Brentford for the switch of goalkeeper Mark Flekken,” reported Sky in Germany, a transfer that underlines Leverkusen’s intent to strengthen additional following their unbeaten Bundesliga-winning marketing campaign.
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Flekken, beforehand with Freiburg, had his moments at Brentford, combining strong shot-stopping with assured distribution. But, questions over his command of the field and some high-profile errors led to hypothesis about his long-term future. With Brentford ending within the backside half and conceding 65 objectives, it’s no shock the membership want to retool.
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His departure additionally reunites him with Erik ten Hag, who’s reportedly set to take the reins at Leverkusen following Xabi Alonso’s exit. The hyperlink between Dutch soccer’s fashionable guard continues to form transfers throughout Europe.
Kelleher Topping Brentford’s Substitute Listing
With Flekken’s exit all however sealed, Brentford have already turned to Liverpool in the hunt for a alternative. Sky Sports activities Information studies that, “Brentford have approached Liverpool for Caoimhin Kelleher as a possible alternative for Flekken.”
Kelleher, valued at £20 million, has lengthy been considered as the most effective No.2 within the league. His cool temperament and clear distribution have impressed in restricted alternatives behind Alisson Becker. However the 26-year-old now craves first-team soccer — and Brentford might provide that platform.
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Nevertheless, the Bees aren’t alone of their pursuit. “They face competitors from West Ham and Leeds for the 26-year-old,” Sky Sports activities provides. All three golf equipment are in want of a dependable keeper, and Liverpool’s valuation displays each his pedigree and potential.
Brentford’s Strategic Problem
Brentford’s recruitment mannequin has lengthy been admired for its data-driven, forward-thinking strategy. Changing Flekken will likely be much less about fame and extra about tactical match — and if Kelleher is the profile they need, they might have to act decisively in what’s changing into a aggressive market.
They need to additionally weigh the associated fee. Spending £20 million on a goalkeeper is a major outlay for a membership like Brentford, even when the funding is for a long-term No.1.
Picture: IMAGO
Leverkusen’s Undertaking Positive aspects Momentum
In the meantime, Flekken turns into part of a rising Leverkusen challenge that exhibits no indicators of slowing down. With a brand new supervisor incoming and Champions League soccer secured, the German facet are positioning themselves as greater than a one-season story.
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In Flekken, they achieve expertise, Bundesliga familiarity, and a goalkeeper who thrives in a passing system, all important as they give the impression of being to consolidate their success.
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For Brentford followers, Flekken’s exit doesn’t come as a complete shock, but it surely does depart a niche that have to be stuffed shortly and neatly.
Flekken had his critics, however he additionally had moments of high quality. His distribution allowed Brentford to construct from the again, and he performed an important position in Thomas Frank’s system. That stated, inconsistency was at all times a priority. Dropping him to Leverkusen may very well be an opportunity to improve in aim.
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The hyperlinks to Kelleher are thrilling. Right here’s a goalkeeper who’s been studying from the most effective at Liverpool and who deserves to be a starter. He’s agile, composed, and has Champions League expertise beneath his belt. Nevertheless, £20 million is steep. For a membership like Brentford, each funding must hit, and Kelleher would wish to ship from day one.
What’s clear is that the membership should act quick. With pre-season looming and a aggressive marketplace for keepers, standing nonetheless received’t be an choice. The Flekken sale is wise enterprise, however provided that the following transfer matches the ambition.