Ian Maatsen, Nathan Collins react to Brentford’s new signing announcement
Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen and Nathan Collins reacted on social media to the announcement of a new signing from Brentford.
The Bees have found themselves thrust into the most important transfer window of their recent history.
Thomas Frank has departed for Tottenham, Christian Norgaard looks set to join Arsenal, whilst Bryan Mbeumo is likely to move to Man United.
For any club, losing your manager, captain, and top scorer in the same window would be a death blow.
But Brentford have shown themselves to be durable and have made a habit of replacing seemingly irreplaceable players.
Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, David Raya, and Ezri Konsa have all departed in recent seasons, but each and every time, the West London club has not only dealt with the issue but also improved their performances.
However, those bounce-backs have all taken place under Frank, and new Brentford boss Keith Andrews will have his work cut out for him next season with Bees fans expecting the club to continue vying for European qualification.
Brentford sign Antoni Milambo from Feyenoord
Brentford have announced the signing of 20-year-old former Feyenoord midfielder Antoni Milambo on Instagram, captioned simply: “2030 x Antoni Milambo”.
The post was liked by Dutch defender Maatsen after the pair reached the Under-21 European Championship semi-finals together, and new teammate Collins.
Antoni Milambo a smart signing for Brentford
Football Insider Verdict
Norgaard was often entrusted by Frank to carry Brentford forward in attacking transitions last season, despite being a more defensive midfielder by nature.
Whilst Milambo will likely spend much of his first term with the Bees as a backup, owing to his age and lack of experience, there is a good chance we see the Dutch midfielder take on a similar role when he becomes entrusted with a starting role.
Despite being just 20, the Netherlands Under-21 international was a key fixture under both Brian Priske and then Robin van Persie when the former Arsenal striker took charge at Feyenoord towards the end of the season.
Milambo’s ability to be a goal-scoring threat and a talented passer shone through, despite the Eredivisie side struggling in the wake of Arne Slot’s departure to Liverpool.
Brentford technical director Lee Dykes, via BBC Sport, revealed the club had been tracking the Dutchman for “a few years”, and the club have very few misses in the transfer market in recent history.