Brentford star who Thomas Frank loves could leave for nothing in 2026 after transfer update
Brentford were tipped by many to struggle in 2025/26 after selling Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, but Keith Andrews is quietly proving the doubters wrong.
On Sunday, Brentford secured a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United as a brace from Igor Thiago moved them up to 12th in the Premier League and only three points adrift of a Champions League spot.
The Bees have won four of their last six matches in the league, including famous victories over Manchester United and Liverpool, to prove that life without Thomas Frank isn’t so bad after all.
However, ahead of the January transfer window, Brentford could be fighting off Tottenham’s interest in Thiago after his stunning start to the campaign, while resolving the futures of multiple stars.
Vitaly Janelt set to leave Brentford in 2026
The long-serving Vitaly Janelt is one player who sees his contract at the club expires in the summer of 2026, and according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, the 27-year-old is on course to leave after a new contract hasn’t materialised.
Exclusive: Vitaly Janelt is currently on course to leave #Brentfordfc in 2026. An agreement on a new contract has not yet materialised and the club are now actively searching the market for a new long-term solution in midfield: https://t.co/OzHTtF6aQx pic.twitter.com/aywhC9ecE7
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) November 11, 2025
Janelt has been at Brentford since October 2020 after joining from VfL Bochum and has played a huge role in their rise over the last five years.
Part of the 2020/21 promotion-winning squad and an important figure under Thomas Frank, the versatile defender has amassed over 200 appearances for the Bees, along with 25 goal contributions.
The German was a favourite under the Dane, and even appeared 32 times in the Premier League last term, but has since watched his game time diminish under Andrews.
As it stands, Janelt has made zero starts in the top-flight this season, featuring for just 157 minutes across seven matches.
A heel injury put him out of action for the first three fixtures, although the fact that he’s barely played since suggests he isn’t a part of the manager’s long-term plans.
What Thomas Frank once said about Janelt
It will be an emotional day for Brentford fans when Janelt leaves the club, and as it could be next summer, supporters will look back fondly on his career.
Speaking after Janelt won the Players’ Player of the Year in 2024, Frank honoured his stalwart by labelling him and Ethan Pinnock ‘unsung heroes’.
“I’m happy with the two winners. They deserve it, both of them,” Frank said via Brentford’s official website.
“Vitaly has been hugely important for us during the four seasons he’s been here. He’s impacted massively the success we have had.
“This season he has started 36 games and came on in the 37th. He and Ethan are unsung heroes. They never hit the headlines that much. Vitaly is the glue that makes everyone better: he never stops running, he is a leader and he is extremely important.”